‘Quirky and infectious’: Family pays tribute to Cooper Henke, 14, fatally struck by jet ski last month

The heartbroken family of a teenager killed by a jet ski while kayaking in the Murray says his pet dog still waits by the gate for their “quirky and infectious” boy.

Cooper Henke was an adventurous 14-year-old with a “cheeky grin and proud smirk”, taking every opportunity to go camping, fishing, motorbike riding and holidaying by the Murray, his family says.

The Roxby Downs boy had a passion for water activities and it was on a family trip at Murkbo on December 16, while kayaking on the river, he was fatally struck by a jetski.

“We were all learning to use our kayaks and paddle boards in the sea and on the river while we travelled in our new caravan as a family,” his mother Renee Henke said.

Cooper was a second child to Mrs Henke and husband Simon and a loyal younger brother to Emma, 17, with whom he shared a tight bond.

Mrs Henke said Cooper lived his life to the fullest alongside his mates and family.

“He was always keen to have friends over, whether it was for gaming online or to jump on his sister’s motorbike and go riding out in the bush,” she said.

“Cooper had a wild sense of humour, a bloody heart of gold, an infectious personality, a quirky outlook on life and a contagious laugh that stood out with his changing husky voice.”

“Cooper loved GT Mustang’s and his goal was to finish school, get a job and save for one.”

Mr Henke said living without him was one of the worst challenges the family had ever faced.

“We didn’t realise how many things we were creating and learning to do together as a family that have now become memories we will cherish forever,” he said.

“We now have a huge hole in our hearts where our beautiful son’s soul is missing.”

“Our lives ahead, not only for us, but for everyone he connected with, will never be the same. “He brought so much love, light and laughter into our lives.

“His dog (Arlo) is as sad as we are. He waits at the back gate for him.”

More than a month on from the tragedy, Cooper’s parents said they were overwhelmed by the love and support the family had received.

The Roxby Downs community, friends and family have donated to a GoFundMe page which enabled the Henkes to have time to grieve without additional financial stress.

“The donations of food and housing has been a blessing,” Mr Henke said.

“We would like to say thank you for the support we have had from friends, family, co-workers and (local employer) BHP.

“We are very grateful for the care taken with our boy from Barossa Funerals. They were there from the start until the end providing us with everything we needed to give Cooper a beautiful farewell.”