Wappa Falls drowning victim Cassan Cowman identified as ‘charismatic’ Irish dad
Friends and family are remembering a loving family man whose life was tragically cut short after he drowned at a popular Sunshine Coast waterfall.
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A father who drowned during attempts to save his young son at a popular Sunshine Coast waterfall is being remembered as a charismatic family man.
A fundraising campaign has been launched for the wife and three children of Cassan Cowman after his life was tragically cut short on January 2.
Emergency services were called to Wappa Falls, Kiamba, about 2pm on Sunday when Mr Cowman was reported missing.
The 49-year-old Toowoomba man – originally from Ireland – drowned after he dove into rapid waters while trying to save his seven-year-old son.
Rosie Ryan has set up a GoFundMe page where the father of three was described as “charismatic” and “Irish to a fault” and someone who enjoyed a whiskey.
The page has raised almost $4000 towards the $35,000 goal.
“(His children) Ormond, 11, Ella, 9 and Torin, 7, were the apple of Cass’ eye and like any parent he wanted the best for their futures,” Ms Ryan said.
“He was a devoted family man through and through, working day and night to provide for his family.”
She said money raised would go towards ensuring the children had the lives Mr Cowman wanted them to have.
Police district duty officer Brett Young said police divers retrieved the body of the man in treacherous conditions at 6.29pm, Sunday.
“A family and several other civilians were at the waterfall when the young child has gotten into trouble and fallen into the waterfall area,” he said.
“The father entered the water to retrieve his young son and unfortunately the father has slipped in the water and not re-emerged.
“The child was retrieved by other witnesses that saw the event.”
The child was taken to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for observation and was not injured.
Senior Sergeant Young said the resources of a police dive squad and a QFES swift water rescue team were thanked.
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