Tinaroo Dam swimmer identified as Gary O’Neill
A Yungaburra man who swam out to rescue two children at Lake Tinaroo before slipping beneath the surface has been identified as a tree changer who recently moved to the Atherton Tablelands.
Cairns
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A Yungaburra man who swam out to rescue two children at Lake Tinaroo before slipping beneath the surface has been identified as a tree changer who recently moved to the Atherton Tablelands.
The man who was reported missing in the water at Lake Tinaroo on April 13 during a choppy day at the man-made lake has been identified as 62-year-old Gary O’Neill.
Emergency services were called just after 3.30pm following reports the man had failed to resurface after swimming out to assist two children on kayaks.
The children made it safely to shore thanks largely to the heroic efforts of Mr O’Neill.
Police stated support services had been offered to the family of Mr O’Neill who had recently relocated to the Tablelands from Cairns.
A large-scale search kicked off following the swimmer’s disappearance that involved police on foot, Cairns Water Police, the QGAIR Rescue 510 helicopter, and Queensland Fire Department Swift Water Rescue crews.
The search continued all day until 8pm and reconvened at first light on April 14 when Mr O’Neill was found dead.
Tributes have been posted online in an outpouring of grief while supporting the 62-year-old’s wife Margaret O’Neill.
“He loved living up here in god’s country, as he called it,” a family friend stated.
“We wish you peace, love, and god speed on your future life journey.
“Gary is near by always, guiding you, and lifting you up where you belong.
“Never forget who your people are because we will never forget you both.”
According to police Mr O’Neill’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Support services have been offered to the family.
It comes more than two years after 49-year-old Atherton man Jeffrey Snelling drowned in the lake after saving his two sons who had gotten into trouble on the water.
Originally published as Tinaroo Dam swimmer identified as Gary O’Neill
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