Former private schoolboy dies in skiing tragedy
The parents of a beloved UQ student who died in a tragic accident while skiing at Thredbo have paid tribute to their “beautiful boy” who dreamt of becoming a doctor.
The parents of a Brisbane private school old boy and current university student who died in a tragic skiing accident say he had dreamt of becoming a doctor.
Brisbane Grammar School Old Boy Sean Forrest died in a skiing accident on Tuesday after his event at the UniSport Snow Nationals, which was held at the Thredbo Alpine Resort.
According to NSW Police, Mr Forrest, 22, died at the scene.
It is understood the experienced skier lost control on a trail known as Dream Run and crashed into rocks.
Mr Forrest was competing for the University of Queensland at the event.
His mother Angie Ryan said her son had dreams of becoming a doctor and they are “heartbroken” over the loss of their “beautiful boy”.
“Sean was on the executive of the UQ Ski Club and was representing UQ at the Uni Sports National Snow Comp. He had competed at state and national events for years,” his family said in a statement.
Dr Ryan said her son was the kindest, most beautiful boy you could imagine
“We are heartbroken. He went to Vietnam last year on a new Colombo programme studying public health,” she said.
“He wanted to be a doctor and would have been a beautiful doctor. He worked as a theatre orderly and patients and staff loved him.”
Sean’s father Michael Forrest is a leading Queensland ophthalmic surgeon, and is a former president of the BGS Old Boys’ Association.
Dr Ryan is a prominent Brisbane specialist GP and previously sat on the BrisbaneGrammar School board of trustees until last year.
Together they were considered one of the school’s top power couples.
UQ Ski described Mr Forrest as an “absolute pillar” of their community.
“He was someone who constantly uplifted those around him with his compassion. He had a smile and energy that was infectious and he was always there for you when you needed him,” a statement read.
“Sean left a positive impact on all of our lives and his legacy will continue within the club for many years to come.”
In a statement, Brisbane Grammar School paid tribute to Mr Forrest, describing him as having “grit and have-a-go spirit”.
“It is with profound sadness that the school advises the community of the tragic passing of Old Boy Sean Forrest ’21,” the statement read.
“Sean died in a skiing accident after his event at the UniSport Snow Nationals earlier this week.”
In his final year at BGS, Mr Forrest set up a campaign collecting used football boots for Indigenous girls and boys at AFL House in Cairns, with more than 50 pairs of boots donated to the ‘We Want You’ initiative.
Grammar said Mr Forrest achieved a long list of academic and cocurricular accomplishments.
“As a talented and versatile sportsman, he excelled in rowing, chess, fencing, debating, rugby and cross country.
“He performed in many concert bands and percussions ensembles, and in the Senior Dramatic Production. In his final year, he was a Form Senior and was much-admired by the junior boys he cared for.
“His big heart, ability to light up a room and passion to help others made him a wonderful teammate and an even better friend.
“The school shares its deepest condolences with Sean’s parents Michael Forrest and Angie Ryan, his two brothers Jude and Dominic, and their extended family and friends.”
The University of Queensland’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the university community is saddened by Mr Forrest’s passing.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of Sean’s passing and our heartfelt thoughts are with Sean’s family and friends at this difficult time,” Professor Terry said.
“Sean was deeply valued by so many within our community for his compassion, energetic spirit and positivity – a legacy that will not be forgotten.
“We understand that this news will affect members of our community in different ways, and we are providing support to Sean’s many friends and classmates.” Tributes have flowed for Mr Forrest, with Powderfinger lead guitarist Ian Haug, who is a BGS Old Boy, among those to pay their respects.
“This is awful news. I am so sorry for your loss. Heartbreaking. All of my condolences Michael and all of Seans Friends and family,” Mr Haug said.
Other members of the school community were also saddened by Mr Forrest’s passing.
“So tragic my heart bleeds for Michael and Angie x. He was a terrific guy x RIP Sean x,” Helen Sutton said.
“Worked with him after he left school. Really smart and kind individual. Thinking of his family,” Frank Kingston said.
A Thredbo Alpine Resort spokesman said they were deeply saddened by the tragedy.
“The Thredbo community extends its heartfelt condolences to family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” a spokesman said.
The Courier Mail understands the 22-year-old and his friends were staying at the House of Ullr in Thredbo Village at the time of the accident.
Dream run in Thredbo is a blue run and known to be icy and challenging for beginners.
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