Byron Bay surfer Philip Jones dies at Wategos

There has been an outpouring of grief after the sudden death of 57-year-old surfer who could not be revived at a popular Byron Bay surf spot.

The family of 57-year-old Byron Bay surfer Philip Jones say they are devastated by his sudden death at Wategos Beach.

A family has been left devastated by the death of 57-year-old Byron Bay man Philip Jones, who died while surfing his favourite break on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Jones died after being pulled unconscious from the ocean by some surfers at Wategos Beach, despite the sustained efforts of an off duty paramedic, police and bystanders to resuscitate him.

A witness, who did not want to be identified, said the incident occurred shortly after 2pm.

He said he could see the paramedics, including an off-duty ambulance officer, “doing everything they could”.

“I was walking down to the sand for a surf when I saw a group of people standing around in front of where the barbecues are on the south end of Wategos Beach,” he said.

“I could see the emergency services people working on the man and I deliberately did not go over and look, I felt that would be disrespectful.”

The witness said after he paddled out, another surfer told him that “the man has been worked on for a while”.

“I thought this does not look good,” the witness said.

“The last thing I saw was the ambulance arrived and they worked on him for a while longer.

“Then I saw a police officer carry what looked like the man’s surfboard off the beach, maybe he had no mates with him when it happened.”

Mr Jones’s brother posted an emotional tribute to social media after learning of the tragedy.

“He’s my brother Philip Jones,” Richo Jones posted.

“We are shattered, lost, devastated.

He said a pre-existing heart condition took his brother on his last wave at his favourite Wategos right hander.

“Thanks to lady surfer who go him to shore and those who tried to resuscitate Phil,” he posted.

“We are broke. I don’t think I’ll ever get fixed. Too many times now for our family.”

Police were called to Wategos Beach at Byron Bay after a man was pulled unconscious from the water. Picture: File

Emergency services were called to Wategos Beach about 2.10pm on Thursday.

Police from said NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived at the beach but the man died at the scene despite their best efforts.

Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended and will prepare a report for the coroner.