Friends, family pay tribute to 17yo Beau Liddell at heartfelt funeral after tragic death

Friends and family of a heroic 17-year-old boy who died trying to save his friend from a waterfall have immortalised the young man and his incredible passion for graffiti in a touching funeral service.

Friends and family said their goodbyes to Beau Liddell at a touching funeral at Noosa. Photo: livestream

Family have shared fond memories and tears in a heartfelt farewell towards a young man who tragically died trying to save a girl below a waterfall.

Beau Liddell, 17, died on January 19 at Wappa Falls on the Sunshine Coast after he dived into the water to save his friend Honor Ward who fell off a waterfall and failed to resurface.

His heroic actions were held in the greatest regard at his funeral on Monday, February 3 at Gregson and Weight in Noosa, with guests sporting colourful attire to honour the teenager.

The funeral opened with a song, written personally by his uncle when Beau was born, as guests looked onto a brightly-coloured casket and displays of his artwork.

The funeral celebrant spoke of Beau’s talent for art and his “zest for life”, saying he was often described as a “gentle giant” at 6 foot 6.

She said Beau had ran to the closest place to reach Honor at Wappa Falls during the tragic incident, but he slipped and fell into the water.

“Beau Liddell will be forever remembered for his courageous and instinctive actions to help a friend in need,” she said.

Beau Liddell, 17, tragically died at Wappa Falls on Sunday afternoon. Picture: TikTok

Beau’s father was the first of many family members who spoke of Beau’s life, from his younger years as an adventurous toddler and natural talent for sport, to his older years where he discovered his passion for art, particularly graffiti, and his love for fashion.

“As a father, I’m proud of what he’s become,” Beau’s father said.

“You left a hole in me that could never be filled.”

His voice shook with emotion as he recited a note found on Beau’s phone from 2024.

“When I die, my ashes in paint and colour the world,” he read.

Beau’s friends stepped up to the podium to share anecdotes and cherished memories with the teen, from “countless side quests” in the night to hours spent painting together.

One of his friends described him as an “angel sent from above” and a “soul so exquisite and unique”.

A longtime mate said Beau left the world a hero.

“Fly high and continue to paint the sky for us,” he said.

Beau Liddell, 17 was remembered for his love and talent for graffiti. Picture: TikTok

“Now he’s the stunning colours that paint the sky each morning and night, the star which shines a little brighter in the sky, and the eyes which will watch over us from above,” another friend said.

Beau’s siblings were next to share heartfelt tributes, with his older sister reminiscing of night spent watching storms, reviewing his “fresh op shop finds” and listening to his “funky taste in music” or the sound of his friends laughing trailing from his room.

“Beau, I will miss you forever, you still had so much love to show the world and I promise I will proudly show it for you,” she said.

A photo of Beau Liddell tagging a legal wall in Melbourne, shown in a montage at his funeral

His brother went on to share his parting words, saying Beau never failed to put the biggest smile on his face.

“I’m going to miss you,” he said.

“I’ll cherish our memories forever and I’ll love you forever.”

Beau’s third sibling stepped up to the podium, telling of the time spent as his “pesky older sister” until Beau welcomed him as an older brother when he was ready.

He vowed to keep their time being boys together and being brothers together close to heart, and expressed thanks to all of Beau’s “wonderful friends” which carry memories and mementos of his younger brother.

The final picture shown in a montage of photos at Beau Liddell's funeral shows his collection of artwork hanging in his room.

Beau’s mother was the last to address the crowd gathered in the chapel, speaking of her son’s “beautiful, big, brown eyes and cheeky smile” and passion for everything he loved.

She said her son became a rock for many, and went on to tell of Beau’s many “annoying habits” with mirth.

“Little did I know just how much I’d miss these annoying habits which drove us all crazy,” she said.

Beau’s mother said it was an “absolute joy” watching his artwork evolve over time.

“I’m so grateful he left his mark, I see him everywhere,” she said.

“Beau my angel, I’m so grateful that in our last interaction we shared a hug and I told you I was proud of you and loved you.

“I will always treasure that moment

“I’m so, so proud of you. I love you”

The funeral concluded with a montage of Beau’s life, and guests stepped forward to say their final goodbyes and place their own custom stickers on his casket.