Andrew Lickley: Fundraising appeal for wife and five sons after tragic Ellenborough Falls death
There has been an outpouring of shock and grief after the body of a well-known father and businessman was tragically found at the base of a Mid-North Coast waterfall.
NSW
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There has been an outpouring of shock and grief after a well respected father-of-five was found dead at the base of Ellenborough Falls on Friday morning.
Andrew Lewis Lickley was reported missing when he failed to return from work in the Wauchope area on Tuesday afternoon.
The 54-year-old was a well-known stonemason and local business operator who had moved to the Port Macquarie area in 2003.
He built up a reputation as a skilled landscaper and monumental mason with clients from towns across the region including Coffs Harbour, Forster, Kempsey and Taree.
Port Macquarie-Hastings councillor Nik Lipovac stated Mr Lickley was a family man, football coach and a “decent, hardworking bloke”.
Mr Lickley leaves behind wife Alicia and five sons Jordan, Quinn, Vaughan, Huon and Sandon.
Mr Lickley had also taught TAFE courses in horticulture and structural landscaping.
Family friend Ebony Harding has started an online GoFundMe campaign to help pay for Mr Lickley’s funeral service and other ongoing costs.
She says Andrew was a humble man, who dedicated his life to his wife and boys.
He loved surfing with them, helping fix their cars, camping and coaching their soccer teams.
Ms Harding urged anyone experiencing difficulties to reach out to loved ones or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 – she said “help is always available.”
When Mr Lickley did not return from work on Tuesday afternoon, authorities were notified. Initial inquiries led investigators to Ellenborough Falls on Tuesday evening, where they found his car and phone.
The falls are about 85km southwest of Port Macquarie and reputed as the longest single drop waterfall in the southern hemisphere at 200 metres.
They were closed to the public for three days as a desperate search in rugged terrain was undertaken.
Police, the State Emergency Service, VRA, Rural Fire Service and NSW Ambulance located Mr Lickley’s body about 10.30am on Friday.
Police confirmed in a statement about 9.15pm on Friday that “the body of a man was found in the water at Ellenborough Falls.
“While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing 54-year-old man,” police state.
“A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident has commenced.”
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
In less than 24 hours the GoFundMe campaign had already raised $32,859, outstripping an initial goal of $20,000,
Donors like Wendy Schumann offered their deepest condolences to the “beautiful family”.
“Our paths have overlapped over the years through work, schooling, friendship, sport and the Defense Force.
“We are thinking of you and sending our love,” Ms Schumann wrote.
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Originally published as Andrew Lickley: Fundraising appeal for wife and five sons after tragic Ellenborough Falls death
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