Hundreds at beachside funeral service farewell shark attack victim Khai Cowley

Six surfboards lined the beach and boardies were the common attire as hundreds gathered to farewell fatal shark attack victim Khai Cowley.

Hundreds of friends and family have packed the beach at Seaford to honour the life of young surfer and shark attack victim Khai Cowley.

Six surfboards lined the beach, a skull and cross bones flag flapped gently in the breeze and Forever Young echoed around the beach as mourning family, surfing mates, football teammates and community members lined the shore of his favourite beach in an emotional farewell.

Surf club tees, boardshorts and the blue and white guernsey of the Port Noarlunga Football Club was the common attire for the celebration of the popular student’s life as friends comforted each other on the sand.

Khai’s parents and younger brother speak during his memorial for Khai Cowley. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Mark Brake

Flowers are laid at the coffin during the memorial for Khai Cowley at Seaford. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Mark Brake

The parents and younger brother of Khai Cowley hug after returning sand collected from surf beaches around South Australia back to the sea during his memorial at Seaford. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Mark Brake

The parents of Khai Cowley hug friends and mourners as they arrive for his funeral service Picture: NCA NewsWire / Mark Brake

The pallbearers carry Khai Cowley’s coffin on to the beach. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

A guard of honour is formed as the pallbearers walk Khai’s coffin off the beach. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

Khai Cowley lost his life in a shark attack while surfing off remote Ethel Beach on Yorke Peninsula. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Mark Brake

His father Tim Cowley spoke of Khai’s love for footy and his for adventure.

“The sport he absolutely loved was surfing. He loved the water from before he could walk,” he said.

Mr Cowley spoke of Khai’s special bond with his younger brother Jett and said everyone should take something from his son’s approach to life.

“Khai, we miss you so much … it’s so cruel you’ve been taken from us,” he said.

Mourners at the funeral of Khai Cowley at Seaford. Picture: Russell Millard

Khai's grandfather leads the pallbearers during the memorial for Khai Cowley at Seaford. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Mark Brake

“I’m not sure what the way forward is but I’m trying to take some peace in what you achieved in the 15 years you were here.

“If you can take something from Khai’s life, live like Khai, love with all your heart, don’t waste a moment ... don’t sweat the small stuff and laugh with your mates.”

The service concluded with a sand ceremony, with family and friends sprinkling the sand collected from 41 surf locations across the state before a guard of honour was formed as the coffin was carried from the beach.

Tributes on a bench seat near the ramp at Seaford. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

Khai was just 15 when a surf trip to the Yorke Peninsula with his dad ended in a horrific tragedy. 

The teenager was surfing at Ethel Beach in the Innes National Park on December 28 when he was attacked and killed by a suspected white pointer as his father watched from the beach.

His friends and family have been invited to farewell the young grom at a seaside funeral service on Monday morning – at Khai’s favourite spot to surf.

“We invite you to attend the celebration of life funeral service for Khai,” a funeral notice read.

Surfer Khai Cowley, 15, was fatally attacked by a shark at Ethel Beach in South Australia's Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, on the Yorke Peninsula. Picture: Supplied

Family and friends are invited to farewell him at a funeral service on Monday. Picture: Supplied

“To be held at Khai’s favourite wave, the Bowl (the end of Seaford Rd, Esplanade). The service will be held outdoors on the foreshore on the sand and will be a one-hour service.

“Friends and family are encouraged to wear your club shirt for Khai (surf/football club) or casual beach attire.”

On Wednesday evening, the Onkaparinga Council released a public notice, saying they had been “advised that a gathering of more than 500 guests is anticipated to honour and remember the 15-year-old”.

“A cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend, surfing and football club teammate and student,” the council said.

“Please be aware that due to this significant turnout, there may be traffic and parking congestion between approximately 10am and 1pm around the Seaford foreshore area.

Flowers at a bench for Khai Cowley on the esplanade at Seaford Beach. Picture: Morgan Sette

Khai’s favourite spot to surf was the Seaford Bowl on the Mid Coast. Picture: Morgan Sette

“We request locals’ and visitors’ co-operation with planning ahead and adhering to street parking signs and designated parking areas to ensure a smoother flow of traffic.

“We acknowledge that this may cause some inconvenience, and we thank you for your kindness and understanding for the family and their guests as they prepare to farewell their beloved Khai at his favourite beach.”

A Go Fund Me page raising money for Khai’s family has nearly reached $90,000 – about $82,000 more than their goal of $7500.

The young surfer, who competed across the state and inspired so many people on his way, has been remembered as a “good, kind soul” who didn’t deserve such a tragic ending.

Seaview Road Board Riders posted a touching tribute to Khai on their Facebook page after his death, sending love to “Kate, Tim and younger brother Jett”.

“He was a true club man, a Roader through and through and the club was proud to award him the outstanding grom performer award for 2023.

“He was a standout. He helped the little groms, made their trainings fun and they all looked up to him.”

In his memory, Khai’s friends and family have also organised a paddle out event, scheduled for this coming weekend.

Originally published as Hundreds at beachside funeral service farewell shark attack victim Khai Cowley