GoFundMe for those affected by Honor Ward and Beau Liddell’s tragedy

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to provide emotional support and counselling for those affected by the tragic deaths of Honor Ward and Beau Liddell at Wappa Falls.

Honor Ward’s parents, Steve and Louisa Ward, gathered with loved ones in Noosaville to pay tribute to their daughter. Photo: Patrick Woods.

As loved ones struggle to come to terms with the tragic loss of Honor Ward and Beau Liddell at Wappa Falls on Sunday, January 19, a GoFundMe campaign is aiming to raise funds for professional counselling and emotional support for those grieving from the tragedy.

The fundraiser was set up by Angela Loynd.

“In the wake of this devastating loss, their families, friends, and loved ones are facing overwhelming grief,” Ms Loynd wrote.

“To support their emotional wellbeing, we are raising funds to provide professional counselling services.

“These funds will ensure that everyone affected by this tragedy has access to the care and support they need during this incredibly difficult time.”

Additionally, they will help organise community gatherings or memorial services to honour Honor and Beau’s memory.

“Grief is a heavy burden to carry, and no one should face it alone,” Ms Loynd wrote.

Loved ones gathered to remember Honor Ward in Noosaville. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The tragedy unfolded when Honor Ward, 17, slipped into the water at Wappa Falls on Sunday afternoon, and her friend Beau Liddell, 17, jumped in to save her.

Kaylee Rainbow, a close friend, shared her heartbreak on social media, recalling the moment she watched her best friends “slowly slip away.”

Kaylee Rainbow shared her final moments with her friends Honor Ward, 17, and Beau Liddell, 17, on social media.

She wrote Honor slipped away before she could reach her.

“I couldn’t reach her in time, couldn’t pull her from the water, and it’s suffocating knowing I couldn’t save her when she needed me most,” the post stated.

“She died in the place she loved most, swimming at a waterfall, the water was her second home and now it holds her forever.”

Kaylee described Beau as a hero who “will always have a piece of my heart”, after trying and save Honor.

Honor Ward tragically died on Sunday at Wappa Falls on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“You didn’t hesitate, didn’t think twice, just got in when she needed someone,” she wrote.

“I’ll never understand how someone so young could be so brave, but I’ll never forget what you did.”

Honor has been remembered for her love of animals, bubbly personality, beautiful soul and for making everyone in her life feel loved and special.

The 17-year-old had been working at Choice Discount Noosaville for the past seven months since graduating from Sunshine Beach State High School.

Parents Steve and Louisa Ward talked to the crowd who gathered to pay tribute to their daughter, Honor Ward. Photo: Patrick Woods.

She was saving up to travel to the UK and visit family.

About 100 people attended the memorial for Honor at Chaplin Park, Noosaville, Tuesday evening.

Honor’s parents, Steve and Louisa Ward, also attended.

Those in attendance ranged from young to elderly – evidence the young girl touched the lives of many.

Locals laughed and cried as they embraced and remembered Honor.

Honor Ward tragically died on Sunday at Wappa Falls on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Neighbours of the Ward family, Suzanne Soulsby and Soni Burke, said Honor was beautiful and well-mannered.

“She was a beautiful girl … usually you find some young people don’t even want to look at you but not Honor,” Ms Burke said.

“Every time she’d see you she’d go out of her way to wave to you and say how are you.

“She’d put the bin out for the elderly lady next door and bring it back in every week.

Teens gathered to remember their friend and work colleague, Honor Ward. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“She just had this beautiful personality and she shone from it.

“She’ll be sadly missed.”

Loved ones gathered to remember Honor Ward. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Ms Soulsby said she’d miss seeing the bubbly 17-year-old in their neighbourhood.

“We should learn a lesson … people shouldn’t lose lives by something like that,” she said.

“It should have been fenced or closed from all of the rain.

Some have called for change following Honor Ward’s tragic death at Wappa Falls in the Sunshine Coast on Sunday. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“We need some commonsense. You don’t want to put young lives at risk.”

A large group of Honor’s workmates were also at the memorial.

Eleanor Hanegraaf said the teenager was “eccentric” and “soulful”.

“We allowed pets in the store and she would never let a dog go past if she couldn’t pet it … she would immediately run through the aisles for that dog,” she said.

About 100 people gathered in Noosaville. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“I worked with her every Sunday … she brought life to the Sunday shift.

“She made it seem like you weren’t working at all … just hanging out with your friends.

“She always had this light around her.

“She was always wearing gold jewellery, the henna, always had a tan, always had a fun nail design, and blonde hair.

“She was such a bright person. You could never forget her.”

To contribute to the fundraiser and support those affected by this tragedy, click here.

Originally published as GoFundMe for those affected by Honor Ward and Beau Liddell’s tragedy