Gold Coast flood victim identified as Troy ‘Trog’ O’Keefe

A man swept to his death with his dog in floodwaters in the Gold Coast hinterland has been identified.

A man swept to his death with his dog in floodwaters in the Gold Coast hinterland has been identified.

The victim has been identified as Troy “Trog” O’Keefe, who was aged in his early 50s.

Mr O’Keefe was moving his car to higher ground at a friend’s place in the Currumbin Valley about 3am on Monday when it was swept into Currumbin Creek.

Police and a swiftwater rescue team were unable to save him, and surf lifesavers found his body and that of his dog in the submerged station wagon.

Family and friends took to social media to pay their respects.

Troy “Trog” O’Keefe’s submerged vehicle

“RIP uncle Troy, in our hearts you will always be,” Mr O’Keefe’s niece Rebecca Rowsthron posted on Facebook.

“Your precious memories I will cherish forever.”

Good friend John Chandler posted that Mr O’Keefe, believed to have been a keen surfer, would be “riding the eternal tube”.

“See you up there buddy,” Mr Chandler wrote.

Another friend, Minna Nikunen, wrote that she could still see Mr O’Keefe on the beach and “banging your head” at legendary Gold Coast live music venue The Playroom.

“Gonna miss that smile, beautiful,” she posted.

Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

In pictures: Gold Coast flooding

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