Jack Bagita identified as Aloomba drowning victim
The 33-year-old Cairns man who tragically drowned at Behana Creek has been identified.
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The 33-year-old Cairns man who tragically drowned at Behana Creek has been identified.
Emergency services were called to the creek at Aloomba, south of Cairns, at 10.30am on March 22 in response to reports that Jack Bagita had gone missing.
The usually calm waters of Behana Creek had been turned into a swift moving current and there was water flowing over the causeway after heavy rain last weekend.
Multiple crews including swift water rescue teams responded to the call from Queensland Police and tragically in the early afternoon the body of Mr Bagita was found.
On Thursday a crowd-funding appeal to help loved ones with funeral costs was organised by family member Lekei Bagita.
Ms Bagita said her family member died with no will and limited finances and due to his death being unexpected no preparations had been made.
“All funds and proceeds donated will be used to pay for his funeral arrangements,” Ms Bagita stated in the GoFundMe appeal.
Immediate reaction to the passing of Papua New Guinean man Mr Bagita focused on claims that pipes running under the Moller Rd causeway were dangerous after heavy rain.
Many near misses and brushes with drowning were made on social media last weekend.
“About nine years ago my sister almost drowned in the exact spot with her friend while we were camping, her friend’s big brother saved them just thinking a grown man drowning in that very spot scares me,” Taylah Te-Aroha Papa stated on Facebook.
Division 1 councillor Brett Moller said there were ample signs at the location warning of dangers but urged visitors to be “self-aware” after rain events, however others disagreed.
“This sign is not adequate enough, I’m so lucky to still have my husband and daughter alive when they got themselves into trouble on New Year’s Day last year,” Melissa Jean stated.
The final send off for Mr Bagita will go ahead on April 11.
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Originally published as Jack Bagita identified as Aloomba drowning victim
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