Liam Dyball: Tributes after Potoroo falls death for Chatham High student
A Mid-North Coast high school is ‘grieving the loss of a friend, classmate and student’ after a teen died in a tragic accident at a popular waterhole.
Mid-North Coast
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A Mid-North Coast high school has paid tribute to a ‘friend, classmate and student’ who died in a tragic accident while at a popular waterhole on Sunday.
Liam Dyball, 14, was spending the day with family at Potoroo Falls, about 50 km northwest of Taree within the Tapin Tops National Park, when tragedy struck about 3pm.
Emergency services were called after reports the 14-year-old fell from the top of the falls while attempting to jump to the waterhole below. It is understood he hit his head on the way down and failed to resurface.
Officers from Manning-Great Lakes Police District co-ordinated a search for the teenager with assistance from police divers and Police Rescue.
His body was recovered after a lengthy search about 8.40pm Sunday night.
A statement released by Chatham High School this afternoon acknowledged the teenager’s death – stating the school’s ‘thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the student’s family and friends.’
“Chatham High School has received sad news about a member of our community,” the statement posted to its Facebook page reads.
“One of our year 8 students died as a result of a tragic accident on Sunday 15 November.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the student’s family and friends.
“As a school we are grieving the loss of a friend, classmate and student and we spent much of today supporting and being there for each other.”
Manning-Great Lakes Police Inspector Nick Seddon said it was an unfortunate, tragic accident that resulted from Liam attempting to jump from the top of the falls into the water below.
“He was jumping off the top of the waterfall and has slipped and hit his head on the way down,” Inspector Sneddon said.
“He unfortunately didn’t resurface, and when people went to try and find him, they couldn’t.”
A Go Fund Me page has been set-up and has already reached more than $13,000 to assist with Liam’s funeral costs.
“A young family has been left devastated after the unexpected loss of this 14-year-old son,” organiser Nikki Katsoolis wrote.
“Liam was one of the most beautiful souls you will ever meet. Our community is heartbroken.
“I would really like if we could all help with the cost of the funeral. Any donation big or small would be amazing.”
A number of people who have donated to the cause have also reached out to the family with messages of support.
Inspector Sneddon said inland waterways, such as Potoroo Falls, can be hazardous and those visiting them should do with extreme caution.
“They are as dangerous as some surf conditions, because there is usually murky water and you can’t always see what’s underneath it,” he said.
“You’re not always aware of currents and rocks can be slippery.
“The public need to be careful and be aware of their surroundings and make sure the water is deep enough to dive in to and to be careful.”
Potoroo Falls, which is within Tapin Tops National Park, is managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS).
A NSW NPWS spokesperson did not comment when asked about safety at the site as the matter was still under police investigation.
A report into Liam’s death will be prepared for the coroner.
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