Former boxing champion Cameron Shaw, 25, dies while snorkelling on Great Barrier Reef off Cairns
A former boxing star has been identified as the snorkeller who tragically died on the Great Barrier Reef earlier this week, as tributes pour in for the “true warrior”.
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A former English boxing star has been identified as the snorkeller who tragically died on the Great Barrier Reef earlier this week, as tributes pour in for the “true warrior”.
Cameron Shaw, 25, was snorkelling at Saxon Reef on Monday before he was pulled from the water unresponsive.
The exact cause of his death is still being determined but its shockwaves have been felt across the globe.
The one-time amateur boxing champion was in Cairns with his girlfriend, Ellyn Rungay, visiting friends before the accident.
She issued a heartfelt tribute to her “diamond”.
“I can’t quite believe I’m writing this and I’ve tried so many times but I don’t have many words to say at this time but I love you and will love you forever,” she said.
“You were my diamond in the rock and my reason to smile every morning.
“It still doesn’t feel real. Keep shining bright.”
Mr Shaw had been a ski instructor in Switzerland before heading to Australia.
The accident happened at around midday on Monday at Saxon Reef, a popular site about 55km off Cairns.
Around 100 passengers were on board the Reef Experiences dive vessel, which left from the Cairns Marlin Marina.
Queensland Police said investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding his death “however it is believed non-suspicious.”
Friends were paying tribute to the ‘The Kid” on social media upon learning of the tragedy.
“Gone far too soon,” Josh Warrington said.
Charlie Hall said he had “some of the best times with you brother” while Rich Gatten was “gutted to hear of the loss”, calling him “a true warrior and grafter.”
England Boxing, in a statement on Facebook, said they were “saddened to learn of the tragic death of former York Boxing Club member Cameron Shaw … may you rest in peace, Cam.”
The tributes come after a 37-year-old woman drowned in a Cairns apartment complex on Tuesday night, a day after Mr Shaw’s death.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said both “tragic losses” had been felt across the wider Far North community.
“The age of both these two people makes it even more shocking, they were so young,” he said.
“All our thoughts are with the families.”
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Originally published as Former boxing champion Cameron Shaw, 25, dies while snorkelling on Great Barrier Reef off Cairns
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