One year on: Loved ones remember Greenmount shark attack victim Nick Slater
The best friend of a Gold Coast shark attack victim has led heartfelt tributes one year on from the tragedy that rocked the city. WHAT THEY SAID >>>
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THE best friend of a Gold Coast shark attack victim has paid tribute to his “wingman” one year on from the tragedy that rocked the city.
It was about 5pm on September 8 last year when the usually sleepy seaside town of Greenmount – brimming with surfers chasing a last-minute wave – descended into chaos.
Minutes later shocked bystanders watched on helplessly as real estate agent Nick Slater, 46, became a victim of the city’s first fatal shark attack in more than 60 years.
Mr Slater died at the scene; his injuries too severe despite frantic efforts by fellow surfers and lifesavers who pulled him from the water.
Sean Minto honoured his best mate in a heartfelt tribute posted to social media, describing some cherished moments shared with Mr Slater.
“One event in my life when Nick was by my side, literally, was when I met my wife on NYE 1991 at Patrick’s Nightclub in Sydney. Nick was my wingman as we strutted our stuff to Bjorn Again (ABBA tribute band) of all things,” Mr Minto said.
“The very next day Nick and I drove to the Gold Coast for a summer holiday, I guess he always had the Gold Coast at heart, even 17 years before he finally settled there.”
Living in Miami when he died, Mr Slater frequented some of the city’s most famed waves and was a regular among its surf community
Some loved ones took a moment to remember their fallen friend by laying flowers at surf breaks adored by Mr Slater, who they described as a “breath of fresh air.”
Many are understandably still trying to comprehend the tragedy.
Friend Ashlee Atkinson said she couldn’t believe it had been a year since Mr Slater’s untimely death. “Can’t believe it’s a year tomorrow I got the horrible call shattered my already broken heart,” she wrote.
In one of the most emotionally-charged tributes, Jessica Butler said she thought of Mr Slater every morning when she rolled out of bed: “I am reminded that life is way too short, and we could be given our angel wings at any time,” she said.
“Today I not only cry in memory of you and ones that we will not be able to make and the people you left behind here. But I will also smile and laugh at the memories we have made and legacy you leave behind. I love you so very much and miss you every single day.”
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