Josh Farrelly death: Tributes flow for popular Noosa man after tragedy

Hearts have broken around Noosa after the sudden death of a much-loved 27-year-old man remembered by family and friends struggling to understand his tragic passing.

The tragic death of a “free spirit” with a permanent smile has rocked several communities across Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.

Josh Farrelly, 27, died suddenly on Wednesday afternoon at Mount Tinbeerwah.

His parents, Cooroy-based landscapers Jo and Simon Farrelly, were mourning their son who died just days before he was due to become an uncle to his brother James’ first child.

“He was our sunshine. There was sunshine everywhere he walked,” Mrs Farrelly said.

Heartfelt tributes had poured out for Josh on social media as family and friends came to terms with the loss of such a magnetic personality.

“He lived every day to the fullest,” Mrs Farrelly said.

“It honestly just doesn’t make sense.”

Mr and Mrs Farrelly said their son had been a “beautiful, beautiful soul” who had an affinity with nature and a lifelong love of the ocean.

The former Noosa District State High School student was hardworking, having undertaken an apprenticeship in Year 10 and starting work full-time as soon as school finished.

Mrs Farrelly said her son – who had worked servicing mining rigs near Toowoomba – had planned to open his own landscaping business next month and was constantly helping in the family business during his two-week stints at home from the mines.

She said the outpouring of love for her son in recent days had been some comfort.

“It is bittersweet because I’m like ‘why Joshy, why?’,” she said.

“He was so loved.

“He wasn’t a materialistic person, he just lived.”

Josh Farrelly was a nature lover.

Long-time family friend Narelle Ashlin said Josh’s infectious smile made a mark on everyone he came in contact with.

“Joshy had the most infectious personality,” she said.

“You always knew he was in a room.”

Ms Ashlin said Josh was known as the life of every party who constantly lifted others up when they were feeling down.

“He was just a pure kid,” she said.

She recalled his work ethic and dedication, including to his car which was meticulously hand washed three times a week.

He was devoted to his girlfriend Jessica Rix and adored his dog, Poppy, an eight-year-old, three-legged staffy cross.

Ms Ashlin said Josh had lived “on Josh time” and was always his own person.

“He had a real connection to the ocean,” she said.

“He was free-spirited, he was at one with nature.

“He was the kid that would chase butterflies instead of the ball.”

Ms Ashlin said Josh had made many friends through bodybuilding and fitness and had been an avid surfer and traveller who saw much of the globe.

“He watched as many sunrises and sunsets as he could ever catch,” she said.

Prominent Cooroy boxing coach Mark Evans was among many who took to social media to pay tribute to Josh.

“You will be sadly missed by all that knew you,” Mr Evans wrote.

“That cheeky smile now just a memory. Fly high legend.”

A GoFundMe page had been established to help the family with funeral arrangements and costs with multiple services planned to cater to the expected numbers of mourners who would meet to celebrate Josh’s life.

It had raised almost $17,000 in a day to help send off the popular local.

Ms Ashlin said they hoped to have funeral arrangements in place in about a week, with multiple service locations before everyone gathered at Sunshine Beach.

“It will be come as if you are heading out for a day at the beach,” she said.

“No suits.”

Josh was survived by his family, dad Simon, mum Jo and brother James, his girlfriend Jess Rix as well as extended family and many friends all mourning the loss of a great friend.

His death was not being treated as suspicious.

If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency please call triple-0.