EXCLUSIVE
A teenager who heroically died trying to save his friend after she plunged into a waterfall caused by a storm has been remembered as “brave” and “loving”.
Beau Liddell, 17, and his teenage friend tragically lost their lives at Wappa Falls on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast at around 2.30pm on Sunday.
The 17-year-old fell from the top of the waterfall into the raging torrent below and when she was unable to surface, Beau jumped into the water to help her.
A search and rescue operation found the girl’s body at around 3.30pm and divers recovered Beau’s body at around 7.30pm.
Tributes have poured in online for Beau, who has been remembered for his “kindness” and courage.
“I miss you so much, little brother,” said his older sister, Skye. ‘You had the most loving and kind heart.
‘I’m very proud of you. I love you to the moon and back, forever and ever.’
Beau Liddell, 17 (pictured), died tragically in Wappa Falls on Sunday afternoon.
The tragedy took place at Wappa Falls (file image) on the Sunshine Coast.
A friend said they would be with Beau “always.”
‘I love you so much, I miss you,’ they said.
“Always brave, but sometimes too brave.”
“I’m so sorry, Beau,” said a third friend.
‘You will always be loved and in our hearts.
‘You didn’t deserve this at all. You made everyone around you smile with little effort.
‘Rest in paradise baby x save me a seat.’
Beau has been remembered by his devastated loved ones as “brave” and “loving”.
Emergency services appear at the scene on Sunday after two teenagers died after falling into the water.
Specialist police divers and the fast-moving Fire and Rescue water rescue team scoured the waterways in search of the pair on Sunday afternoon.
In his latest social media post on Saturday, Beau revealed that he had been trying to turn his life around and had been sober for a week.
‘So proud!’ one friend commented, while another wrote: ‘Amazing!’
Locals have reported online that the waterfall would have been a ‘torrent’ over the weekend following recent rain in the area.
“It should be closed after all the dangerous rain we’ve had,” one person said.
Wappa Falls remains closed amid a police investigation.
Reports on the deaths will be prepared for the coroner.