Noosa teenagers Beau Liddell and Honor Ward are being mourned by the Noosa community after their lives were tragically lost last Sunday at Wappa Falls.
Beau Liddell, 17, is being remembered for his bravery and courage in his last moments when trying to save his friend Honor, 17, at the popular swimming hole.
Emergency services were called to the falls near Yandina after reports a 17-year-old girl had fallen off the waterfall and failed to resurface around 2.30pm.
Beau had jumped into the water to rescue Honor but has also failed to resurface.
A major search and rescue operation found Honor’s body in the water around 3.30pm.
Police divers then located Beau’s body around 7.30pm.
On Tuesday evening family and friends gathered at Chaplin Park, Noosaville to remember the former Sunshine Beach State High School students.
They arrived with flowers and photos, supporting each other in their grief.
Honor’s older brother recalled how his sister had once chased him around the kitchen when he gave her cheek.
“She was tough like that but a good girl, with a good heart. I love her loads and she’ll forever be in everyone’s heart,” he said.
Honor’s father thanked the community for coming together for Honor who was “such a lovely girl”.
To lose two young lives in one afternoon was such a tragedy, he said, telling people not to go to the dangerous falls.
He paid tribute to Beau who tried to save Honor and lost his own life in doing so.
“He’s so brave to jump in and try and save her,” he said, Honor’s brother reiterating his comments.
“Brave boy Beau to jump in to try and save her. It takes a lot of guts to do what he did. It deserves praise and it’s a sad end, he lost his life as well,” he said.
Honor’s father urged people to remember Honor – remember the best bits and treasure her, he said.
“She loved you and we loved her,” he said.
The community is rallying support for Beau’s family following his passing and heroic efforts.
Noosaville resident Stephanie Neal has created a GoFundMe to assist Beau’s family with the costs of his funeral expenses.
“Beau was a beautiful, creative and kind 17 year old boy with his whole life ahead of him,“ she said.
“Beau’s bravery and courage in his last moments will never be forgotten.
“These funds will go directly to paying for the costs associated with his funeral service and a wake in his honour.
“Beau’s family are incredibly grateful for any contribution that you can make.“
The fundraiser currently has raised close to $18,000 with a $20,000 target.
To donate, visit the GoFundMe page at gofund.me/910f4fb7
