Devastated friends of a talented water skier who died in a freak accident say they feel “hit” by the death of the beloved mother-of-four.
Amy Hockley, 49, died on Saturday after a high-speed boat accident on the Clarence River at Seelands, just west of Grafton in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.
Ms Hockley had been competing in Ski Racing Australia’s Queensland state titles at the weekend and Sunday’s events were canceled after her death.
Emergency crews, including paramedics from an air ambulance, treated the water skier for serious injuries, but were unable to revive her and she died at the scene.
Dozens of people have shared heartfelt tributes to the mother of four children.
Amy Hockley, 49, died after a speedboat crashed in the Clarence River at Seelands, just west of Grafton in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, on Saturday.
Mrs Hockley, a mother of four, had competed at championship level in water skiing.
“On Saturday I lost my second mother, Amy Hockley, a dedicated and passionate woman who proved that age is just a number,” one woman wrote.
‘We will miss you. Rest in peace.’
“I was shocked by the sad news that one of my former students (from 2014) and someone who I was absolutely in awe of for her tenacity and desire to live, was kidnapped in a tragic water skiing accident,” a second shared.
‘Amy Hockley. I honestly can’t believe you’re gone, my friend. I hope you are at peace knowing that you have left an indelible mark on this world and an example to all of us of how we can embrace the cliché, living life to the fullest.’
Another woman said she was “devastated” by the loss of her friend.
‘I am broken. I am devastated for your children and your husband. You were a champion. I admired your ambition and strength. A serious warrior,” she said.
‘You never know what’s around the corner. So in true ‘Amy style’, be true to yourself, tell the truth and live life to the fullest.’
Another said Hockley’s legacy would live on through his children.
Ms Hockley had been competing in The Ski Racing Australia’s Queensland state titles at the weekend and Sunday’s events were canceled due to the tragedy.
‘May your legacy live on through the four beautiful children who I know are proud of their mom for what she was and represented!’ she wrote.
‘Australia has lost someone one of a kind and I will surely miss our banter and have many fond memories knowing we have walked an almost identical life path over the decades.’
Mrs Hockley had competed at championship level in water skiing and had previously participated in bodybuilding competitions.
Ski Racing Australia said it was continually re-evaluating what was best for the sport in a statement shared on Saturday.
“The Ski Racing Australia board of directors, in consultation with state association delegates, would like to advise that all event sanctions be withdrawn due to the recent on-water incidents until further notice,” the organization said.
‘This decision comes into effect immediately and means racing will not continue on Sunday 9 June at the South Australian State Titles and the Queensland State Titles.
“This decision is made to ensure we continue to elevate all safety aspects of our sport to protect our members and with respect to the families involved.”
Detectives from Coffs-Clarence Police District and officers from NSW Police Marine Area Command are investigating the crash.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.