Funeral planned for Cairns nursing student Chloe Bailey who died in Babinda Boulders tragedy
Loved ones will gather this week to farewell a young Cairns nursing student whose life was cut short by a tragic accident at the notorious Babinda Boulders.
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A YOUNG life cut short by a tragic accident at the notorious Babinda Boulders last month will be celebrated at a funeral service later this week.
Edmonton teen Chloe Narelle Bailey fell into the waters of Babinda Creek on December 21 and failed to surface.
An immediate search of the area failed to find the 19-year-old, whose body was discovered the next day.
The aspiring nurse was the much-loved daughter of Robyn and Glenn and sister of Keira and Bodhi.
Relatives and friends of Ms Bailey are invited to attend a service to be held at the Cairns Crematorium Funeral Home on Friday, beginning at 9am.
More than 19 lives have been lost to the dangerous waters of The Devil’s Pool since the 1950s, including Cairns teenager Maddison Tam who perished at the popular tourist spot in April 2020.
Family of Ms Bailey expressed gratitude to police and State Emergency Service workers involved in the search of the Woree State High School graduate for their support during the ordeal.
Police, including a specialist dive squad, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services swift water crews and SES personnel were involved in the search and rescue operation.
In 2010, Cairns Regional Council implemented all recommendations made by a coroner’s report that followed the death of a swimmer at the Boulders in 2008.
This included the implementation of a “no-go zone” at Devil’s Pool.
Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller, whose division includes Babinda Boulders – as the warmer weather sets in – urged visitors to the area to heed the clear warnings.
“Council has improved signage and fencing in the area and there is a clear restricted area, but unfortunately people continue to disregard those signs and have no understanding of personal risk there,” Cr Moller said.
“It is a safe area where the recreational facilities are, but downstream … fast flowing rapids, and a narrow descending gorge make it unsafe for hiking and swimming.
“People need to heed the warning signs and fenced area of this restricted area to avoid drownings, where there is a disregard for personal safety that results in tragic outcomes affecting families, rescuers, and our community.
A report into the death of Chloe Bailey will be prepared for the Coroner.
Leave your tributes for Chloe in the comments below.
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