Funeral of Dr Luqman Jubair: Tragic hunch in drowning death
A close friend of a heroic Southport doctor who died while trying to rescue a fisherman has paid tribute to the ‘caring’ researcher at his funeral. HER TRIBUTE
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A close friend of a Southport doctor who died while trying to rescue a fisherman says she had a bad feeling he was in danger immediately when news broke of a missing man.
She said no one close to Dr Luqman Jubair was surprised to learn he had sacrificed his life to save another.
Family, friends and the Islamic community farewelled the cancer researcher during a traditional funeral at the Gold Coast Mosque on Thursday.
The 35-year-old’s body was found in waters off Mermaid Beach last Thursday after he was swept out to sea while trying to help a fisherman who had been knocked over by a wave.
His colleague Dr Sora Fallaha said family and friends immediately had a bad feeling Dr Jubair was in danger when reports emerged that a 35-year-old man was missing.
“He would run in to aid and help anyone who was in need,” Dr Fallaha said.
“So seeing what he actually did was not very surprising to any of us.
“In fact, when we heard about what happened, literally his wife and myself, we were like ‘oh my God, we really hope it’s not him’.
“Because knowing him, there’s a very high chance it was.”
She said Dr Jubair was a “loving and caring” man and would be remembered as someone who lived life with purpose.
“He lives with the legacy of saving lives and making a positive change in the world he lived in.”
Dr Jubair moved from Iraq to Australia in 2014.
He had been part of a Griffith University research team that in 2019 made a world-first breakthrough to treat cervical cancer in mice using “stealth” nanoparticles.
The Islamic community joined in prayer at the Gold Coast Mosque, followed by another prayer at the Southport Lawn Cemetery.
A memorial was also to be held at the university later on Thursday.
Gold Coast Mosque president Hussin Goss said the loss of such a gifted man had been felt across the whole community.
“He was such a talented person that gave up his life to help others and in this case, not just in research for cancer, but trying to save someone who was drowning,” Mr Goss said.
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