Sam Hamilton, Dawesville drowning: Tributes flow for young man who died in free diving tragedy

A young free diver who drowned has been remembered as an “extraordinary soul”.

Sam Hamilton, 21, died on Sunday afternoon after attempting to free-dive in the water off the coast of Dawesville, about 90 kilometers south of Perth.

The physiotherapy student was kayaking with his partner when he made his descent into the depths.

But he floated back to the surface in a semi-conscious state and moments later stopped breathing.

His companion attempted to revive him, at the same time activating an emergency positioning indication radio beacon, a distress call that attracted a rescue ship, The West. reported.

He received first aid on the ship and a paramedic was later taken to the ship by an RAC rescue helicopter.

But they could not revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His friends and family remembered him as a young man who brought joy to the lives of others.

Hamilton’s uncle, Jono Faulkner, said he loved his nephew like a “son and best friend.”

“We shared a love of the ocean and you went off to do something you loved,” Faulkner wrote on social media.

‘I loved your passion for life. I loved your deep thoughts. I loved being on the boat and in the water with you.

And he added: ‘I loved your smile. I loved your laugh. I loved your amazing insights into life at such a young age.

‘I loved the way you hugged me and I always felt like you meant it. I loved how you embraced every moment. I loved watching you become a great man.

Her friend and cousin Molly Smith said her “heart is heavy with sadness and longs for your presence.”

“It’s hard to accept that you are no longer here with us, but I find comfort in knowing that your spirit will live forever in our hearts,” SMith wrote on social media.

“You were an extraordinary soul who brought immense happiness and love into our lives.”

Another family member said there was a “huge Sam-shaped hole in all of our lives.”

‘You left us too soon, but we sure loved the way you lived! Full of love, passion and the most wonderful laughter,’ they wrote.

The police will prepare a report for the coroner.