Police locate body of 23-year-old man missing in Brisbane River
After a frantic three-day search, a young Brisbane man’s body has been located by his own uncle, after he slipped and fell from a pontoon into the Brisbane River.
Police & Courts
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The uncle of a young man who slipped and fell from a pontoon in the Brisbane River has shared his heartache at finding the 23-year-old’s body after a frantic three day search.
Patrick Meafua Jr was with friends and family near Jindalee Boat ramp about 5.30am on Sunday when he slipped, with some of the group injuring themselves trying to save him.
The search started immediately and involved Water Police, Dive Squad, general duties police, SES, Marine Rescue, aerial assets, and partner agencies.
His body was found downstream, within the search area, around 8.30am on Tuesday.
Patrick Meafua Jr’s uncle Pastor Moealia Fonoti of the Acacia Ridge Samoan Wesleyan Methodist Church found his nephew while searching on a jetski.
“I found him myself at the river,” Mr Fonoti told The Courier-Mail.
“There was a community member who came out with his jetski, he was the one I rode with.
“It is something that I will never forget and I never want to go through it with our children or anybody.
“My condolences go out to my sister Ramona (Meafua) and husband Patrick (Meafua) on losing their son.”
Mr Fonoti described his nephew as a “humble kid”.
“Patrick is one of those kids that any parents would love to have.
“He is very humble and very kind, he’s a hard working kid, very respectful, and a very good kid.
“He is a strong kid, and I love him deeply.”
Mr Fonoti wanted to thank everyone that was involved in the search for Patrick, especially the Queensland Police Service officers involved in the search, describing them as “heroes”.
“I just want to say thank you to each and everyone, especially the police force,” he said.
“They did a marvellous job, they did well, and my appreciation goes out to them – they are heroes,” he said.
Mr Fonoti extended his thanks to the Jindalee community, who rallied around Patrick’s family and friends while the search was taking place.
“I just wanted to say thank you to the community of Jindalee and the community around Brisbane,” he said.
“They came out full swing to bring food, bring everything, they were very kind, and that’s what makes Australia a better place.”
Mr Meafua’s grieving family expressed their sorrow after the body was found.
“It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our dear brother, son, uncle, nephew and friend. Patrick Junior Ueni Meafua,” Martha Meafua said on social media.
“Our family is devastated and we ask for privacy as we prepare to bring him home.
“On behalf of our family, my parents and siblings, we want to thank and give our utmost appreciation to the community for their outpouring love throughout the past few days stopping by with food, drinks and words of comfort.
The family expressed the gratitude for all those involved in the search which ended on the third morning.
“Thank you to the volunteers, SES, police, water police, marine rescue, dive squad and Australia water force services for your help, support and efforts in trying to find our brother,” she said.
Others also took to social media to mourn their loss.
“RIP Patty, love you always. Miss you a lot,” one family member said.
Another said “Oh baby cousin … My heart aches, I love you.”
Friends and family spent each day returning to the pontoon where Mr Meafua was last seen.
On Sunday Inspector Shane Thow said Mr Meafua had slipped, and was not a strong swimmer.
It is understood the current very rapidly swept him out into the middle of the river.
“I know that a couple of his mates actually tried to help him, but he slipped below the waters before they got to him,” Inspector Thow said.
A man in his 20s was taken to hospital with shoulder injuries after he tried helping Mr Meafua by diving into the river.
Inspector Thow said the group had been on a pontoon for a social gathering, but could not speculate about whether alcohol was involved.
“It’s just an unfortunate accident that he slipped, there is no indication that they were mucking around,” Inspector Thow said.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
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