The family of a young man who died along with his partner when their car plunged off a cliff during a camping trip spoke about their grief and how the tragedy had shaken the entire community.
Louis Eeles, 22, and Matthew Farr, also 22, were among six friends camping at Little Bay, near Horrocks Beach in Western Australia’s Mid West, when the couple and another companion decided to go for a walk. beginning of February 4.
Their Nissan 4WD plunged at least 20 meters down a cliff along White Cliffs Road, killing the Geraldton couple and leaving their 21-year-old friend seriously injured.
Mr Farr’s family penned a heartbreaking statement released by WA Police on Tuesday, revealing there is “no rule book” to prepare them for the grief they are currently experiencing.
The family also spoke about Matthew’s close bond with Eeles, along with the sole survivor, who remains in hospital.
Louis Eeles, 22 (pictured left) and Matthew Farr, 22, died when their vehicle went off a cliff during a camping trip.
“Our loss is profound and we doubt we will ever recover,” the statement said.
‘Together, Matthew and Louis shared a passion for outdoor adventures, specifically fishing, diving, camping and exploring.
‘Both with similar statements, kind, friendly, motivated, empathetic and generally excellent young people.
“Our families will be intertwined forever.”
The statement also said the family was “eternally grateful that someone survived” and expressed hope for his recovery.
thThe man was flown to Royal Perth Hospital with injuries to his neck and spine, but it is understood he has since been discharged.
“His heroism in trying to raise the alarm given his own injuries is inspiring and we will always be in his debt,” the statement said.
“Our thoughts are with him and his family.”
The family also thanked the first responders, “including but not limited to DFES, volunteers, WAPOL, St John Ambulance and all other emergency service personnel involved.”
They also paid tribute to him
The family also said they had been “overwhelmed” by the message of support from the wider community in the town of Geraldton, 400 kilometers north of Perth.
“It’s times like these that you realize how wonderful it is to live in the community we do,” the statement said.
Last Thursday, Mr. Eeles’ grieving high school girlfriend, Kayla Stubbs, took Facebook page to pay tribute to the young apprentice merchant.
High school sweetheart Kayla Stubbs (pictured right with Mr. Eeles) wrote a heartfelt tribute to the cliff fall victim.
“Louis touched the lives of many people in unique and meaningful ways, but above all, he will be remembered as the embodiment of pure joy and enthusiasm for life,” Ms. Stubbs wrote.
‘With a huge heart and boundless generosity, Louis made time for everyone, exemplifying the true spirit of compassion and selflessness.
He approached life with unwavering enthusiasm, working diligently but embracing every opportunity for adventure with open arms.
‘His ability to find beauty in the simplest moments was truly remarkable.
Miraculously, a 21-year-old man survived the horrific fall and was released from hospital.
He added that his partner lived for the ocean and adrenaline and was “very loved by everyone.”
‘He would do anything for anyone. And his sense of humor… it was infectious, his personality and his love for life made everyone very happy,” Ms Stubbs told the West Australian.
“He was never the type of person to be sad.”
Mr Eeles had just started his apprenticeship to become a refrigeration technician.
The high school sweethearts were supposed to go camping together, but not before Mrs. Stubbs backed out at the last minute after her classmate asked her to run an errand for him.
In a death notice, Mr. Eeles’ parents, Adrian and Annette, wrote that their “dear son” was “taken too soon.”