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Police find a body believed to be that of missing jockey Chris Caserta

Police have confirmed the body of missing jockey Chris Caserta has been found in waters off Main Beach, following his disappearance during a late-night swim on Wednesday.

Rescue helicopter joins search for missing jockey Chris Caserta

Police have confirmed they’ve found the body of missing jockey Chris Caserta.

The body was located about 200m from the sand pumping jetty on the Southport Spit on Friday morning following a massive air and sea search, police said.

Police are believed to have found the body of jockey Chris Caserta.
Police are believed to have found the body of jockey Chris Caserta.

In a statement, police said that Surf Life Saving Queensland lifesavers on wave runners found the body in the surf break about 8.30am.

“The body has since been formally identified as Mr Caserta,” police said.

“Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.”

Mr Caserta, 26, disappeared after going for a late night swim with fellow jockey Amy Graham at Surfers Paradise beach on Wednesday night.

His parents have arrived on the Gold Coast from Victoria.

In a heart-wrenching Facebook post on Thursday, Ms Graham said she was ‘lost for words’ over the loss of Mr Caserta.

“It hit hard this morning when I realised your smiling face wouldn’t be seen to greet me at work anymore,” she wrote.

Apprentice and trackwork rider Amy Graham, who was with Caserta on Wednesday night. Picture: Supplied
Apprentice and trackwork rider Amy Graham, who was with Caserta on Wednesday night. Picture: Supplied

“I don’t even know how to feel, I don’t know what to say except that I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you.

“Tried so-so hard to make sure we both got out of there alive. Where ever you are, please know that I did everything I could to save you, and I wish I could have done more.

“I can’t stop asking why you, and not me. Why were you taken from us. You didn’t deserve this, you are the most incredible, positive, nicest guy anyone has met.

“All you ever wanted was to see your mates do well, and you are always willing to help anyone who needed it.

“You always hyped me up and gave me confidence in myself as a jockey.”

A massive air and sea search was launched when Chis Caserta failed to surface from a late night swim at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Adam Head
A massive air and sea search was launched when Chis Caserta failed to surface from a late night swim at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Adam Head

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/police-find-a-body-believed-to-be-that-of-missing-jockey-chris-caserta/news-story/9feaf466606316b3b340e75274cdec50