Brisbane pastor William Strickland found dead after ute swept away in Northern NSW floodwaters

A beloved and “charismatic” Brisbane pastor has been found dead after his ute was washed away in raging floodwaters in northern NSW, with his son issuing a heartfelt tribute for his dad.

Sam Stolz and Janine Watson

2 min read

January 21, 2025 - 8:27AM

Mr Strickland's ute was found washed 400m downstream. Picture: NBN News.

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A beloved and “charismatic” Brisbane pastor has been found dead after his ute was washed away in raging floodwaters in northern NSW, with his son issuing a heartfelt tribute for his dad.

William Strickland, 53, was at a wedding rehearsal before he to attempted to cross a flooded causeway in Limpinwood in the Tweed on Saturday about 9.15pm, when his Toyota HiLux was washed 400m downstream.

However, an extensive search between police, ambulance personnel, the SES, and Mr Strickland’s rattled friends and family quickly turned to tragedy after his body was found on Monday afternoon.

“A multi-agency search for the missing man was conducted on Saturday night and continued during daylight hours on Sunday and Monday, a NSW Police spokesman said.

“Shortly after 1pm on Monday the body of a man was located. The body has since been identified as that of the missing 53-year-old man.”

On Sunday, Tweed-Byron Police Inspector Matt Woods told media the weather conditions on Saturday night – in which the Tweed received up to 100mm of rain – were “extreme and dangerous”.

In footage taken by NBN News, Mr Strickland’s ute was shown on a riverbank, crushed and dented from the ravaging power of the current.

Brisbane pastor William Strickland. Picture: Facebook.

Before the grim discovery, Mr Strickland’s son Cheonton was holding out hope his father would be found alive.

“We desperately want to find dad. Let’s bring dad home,” he wrote on Facebook.

Less than 12 hours later, he was paying tribute to the “charismatic and loved man”.

“Dad has been found. After a long and challenging search and rescue operation, dad’s body was recovered,” he wrote on Facebook.

“We are shocked and devastated by this tragic loss. Dad was a charismatic and loved man, who gave his life in service and ministry of the gospel. He touched many peoples lives through his work as a pastor with the Seventh Day Adventist Church in both Australia and New Zealand, and his community work through ADRA.

“He will be deeply missed by all.

“Our family will not be the same without him. While our hearts are deeply saddened by his death, we know that we will see him again. How glorious will that morning be when we all reunite in Jesus.

“We would like to thank those who have been eagerly praying for this moment, and for those who have been here actively searching for dad, especially our local church community, the NSW police, and SES. It has not been in vain.

“Announcements of funeral arrangements to follow. Blessings.”