Touching tribute for grandfather who died in mobility scooter accident at North Haven

A tribute has been left near the boat ramp in North Haven following an elderly man’s death there on Saturday.

Police at the scene after a man riding his mobility scooter died after falling into the water at North Haven. Picture: 9News

A grandfather who died after he fell from his mobility scooter off the North Haven boat ramp was an avid fisherman who could not be saved despite the desperate attempts of his grandchildren and passers by.

A single rose was on Sunday morning left in tribute for the elderly man after the tragedy on Saturday afternoon.

A single rose has been left in tribute for the elderly man who lost his life at the North Haven boat ramp on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Evangeline Polymeneas

The Advertiser understands he was with a teenage girl and a younger child – believed to be his grandchildren – when disaster struck.

A witness told 9News that the man was riding his mobility scooter along the ramp when it tipped and he fell into the water.

It is believed the man’s grandchildren ran for help after he fell.

Two passers-by attempted to help the man, including a woman who called police and a man who reached into the water to try and grab the grandfather.

#DEVELOPING: an emergency situation has unfolded at the North Haven Boat Ramp. @inga_neilsen#9Newspic.twitter.com/MXVGatYN6k

— 9News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) October 14, 2023

Witnesses said the man was riding his mobility scooter along the ramp when he fell into the water. Picture: 9News

Owner of The Ramp Bait and Tackle at the North Haven boat ramp, Andrew Mezzino, said it was a shock.

“To hear it was a regular customer was shocking,” he told The Advertiser.

Mr Mezzino said North Haven was a tightknit community and it was “an unforeseen accident which will likely never happen again”.

However, he called for safety improvements, suggested edging along the sides of the pontoons so boats could still launch but people on scooters or in wheelchairs could have peace of mind.

The Ramp Bait and Tackle owner Andrew Mezzino said man who died at the boat ramp on Saturday was a regular customer. Picture: The Advertiser

Police and emergency services were called to the boat ramp on Southern Myth Drive just after 4pm, after the man was pulled from the water.

Paramedics worked to revive the man but he died at the scene.

SA Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

​There were no suspicious circumstances.

​