Retreat leader talks after Melbourne man’s Currimundi Lake death

A former Army captain who runs a Sunshine Coast “personal and leadership development retreat” has spoken out after the tragic death of a Melbourne man.

Joshua Powell with his brothers, Elijah Powell, centre, and Nehemiah Powell, right.

The leader of a Sunshine Coast “personal and leadership development retreat” has vowed to carry a defibrillator “at all times” following the death of a participant, as he expressed his sympathies to the grieving family.

Berwick man Joshua Powell died while participating in The Commander’s Passage near Currimundi Lake on October 13, 2023.

Emergency services were called about 2.30pm to reports a man had collapsed, but Mr Powell was unable to be revived.

Last week, witnesses to the tragic incident described seeing the group training on the Wurtulla side of Currimundi Lake before participants came into nearby cafes asking for a defibrillator.

Mr Powell’s devastated family also paid tribute to the 27-year-old as they talked about their grief.

Berwick resident Joshua Powell died suddenly while at a Sunshine Coast retreat on October 13.

They were also seeking answers to what happened in the lead-up to Mr Powell’s death and described him as a “fairly fit” man who went jogging daily and was not overweight.

The Commander’s Passage is described as a personal and leadership development retreat.

The Commander’s Passage founder Curtis Tofa. Picture: Contributed

A statement provided on behalf of founder Curtis Tofa said the group had first-aid kits with them on the day of the tragedy.

“In many of the spaces where we run our retreats, we have access to a defibrillator,” he said.

“At this specific outdoor spot, we did not have one as people do not typically carry them on all outdoor activities.

“This is a lesson for us in our own journey, and moving forward we will make this standard practice to have one with us at all times.”

The Commander’s Passage participants were training near Currimundi Lake when tragedy struck on October 13. Picture Lachie Millard

The founder extended “sincere condolences” to Mr Powell’s family.

“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Mr Tofa said.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the other event participants, community members and emergency responders who were on the scene, responding swiftly and professionally during this distressing time.”

The founder said ongoing support was being provided to those affected by the tragic incident and The Commander’s Passage had been “assured” Mr Powell’s death was not due to the retreat.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by the retreat, or anyone involved.

“We have had around 100 participants in the past 18 months, and we have never before had an experience like this,” Mr Tofa said.

“Other participants present have given overwhelmingly positive feedback on how the event was handled and their support has been incredibly moving.

“Our team has instructors with up-to-date first aid and are all professional, experienced trainers.”

The retreat’s website had earlier this week stated it was a course that would allow participants “to find your breaking point” but the website wording had since updated.

It costs $10,000 to participate in the three-day course.

“During the three-day passage, you will ‘raise your standards’ in your mind, so you can level up your leadership, personal growth, and capacity to achieve financial freedom,” the website stated.

The website also stated that Mr Tofa was an infantry Captain in the Australian Army who served in Iraq in 2016.

Police are preparing a report for the Coroner.