NRL star Marty Tapau’s uncle drowned trying to save strangers at popular Sydney beach

A man who died after getting caught in a rip while trying to save struggling swimmers at a Sydney beach was the uncle of an NRL star.

A man who drowned at a Sydney beach on Saturday while trying to save two strangers has been identified as the uncle of NRL star Marty Tapau.

Father-of-six Talitiga Taupau is being remembered as a hero after swimming into a rip at Shelly Beach in Cronulla in a bid to save the struggling swimmers, 9 News reported on Sunday evening.

While one swimmer aged in his 20s made it back to the shore, Mr Talitiga and another swimmer were found unconscious and were pulled from the water by lifesavers.

Mr Talitiga could not be saved, while the other man, who was in his 40s, is in a critical condition after being underwater for three minutes and has been taken to St George Hospital for treatment.

Talitiga Taupau sadly lost his life. Picture: Channel 9

The 44-year-old was the uncle of Taupau, who was driving to Brisbane with his family ready to start training with the Brisbane Broncos when he was told the tragic news.

“It’s really sad that this has happened but he will never be forgotten for his actions,” Tapau said.

The uncle of an NRL star is being remembered as a hero after losing his life while saving two strangers struggling in waters off Cronulla. @WesternWilson9#9Newspic.twitter.com/RhOO4BZZYt

— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) January 29, 2023

Marty Taupau has spoken about losing his uncle. Picture: Channel 9

Surf lifesavers closed the beach for the remainder of Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

One of the victims surf boots is left on the sand. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

NSW Police continue inquiries in the area, and will prepare a report for the coroner.

The patrolled area of the beach was closed for the rest of Saturday.

This latest drowning incident takes the New South Wales drowning death toll to 14 since December 1.

Originally published as NRL star Marty Tapau’s uncle drowned trying to save strangers at popular Sydney beach