Skiers torn over iconic event’s future following tragic accident

Water skiers who have competed at the iconic Southern 80 are divided over the event’s future following the tragic death of Luke Wentworth on Sunday.

Luke Wentworth died on Sunday after a tragic incident at the Southern 80 on the Murray River in Echuca and Moama. Picture: Ian Currie

The future of an iconic Murray River sporting event is being questioned following the tragic death of a participant, with people divided over whether it is safe enough.

The Southern 80 was called off at 10am on Sunday after Luke Wentworth — who competes with the Gassa Ski Race Team — was fatally injured.

The death is the seventh since the event’s inception, with organisers reportedly having breathalysed crews and swept the river before it started.

Mr Wentworth’s death has raised fresh concerns about the future of the event.

Skiers are divided about the safety of the Southern 80 following the tragic death of Luke Wentworth. Picture: Supplied

Baileigh Easton, whose family used to compete regularly at the Southern 80, spoke of the inherent risks associated with the event.

Her dad was in the super class, which is the fastest group of racers, and he would tow her two brothers, who skied.

Ms Easton said that her dad “realised the risks outweigh the rewards” and that once the “competitiveness became excessive”, it became too dangerous to compete.

Ms Easton also said that “we’ve lost a few friends or seen them suffer serious lifelong injuries as a result.”

Trucker Luke Wentworth was killed in a water skiing accident at the 2024 Southern 80 event on the Murray River at Echuca/Moama. Picture: Supplied

An avid skier who has also competed at the event, who preferred not to be named, says the safety at the event is “outstanding”.

He said participants knew the risk going in, and the committee did a wonderful job ensuring everyone’s safety.

“As a competitor, I have always found the course fantastic and safe,” he said.

He also spoke of the wonderful community within water skiing, having grown up skiing from a young age.

He also said that the impact on the Echuca-Moama economy cannot be understated.

Murray Plains state National MP Peter Walsh would not comment on the future of the event but said it was a “tragic incident” and his “thoughts are with the family” following Mr Wentworth’s death.

Moama police Chief Inspector Paul Haggett said an investigation had begun.

“This will affect the community for months to come, long after everyone has gone home,” he said.

Deaths and injuries at the Southern 80

Mr Wentworth’s death is the seventh to have occurred at the waterskiing event over the years.

In 2017, NSW driver David Morabito, 50, was pulled unconscious from the river and died after the ski boat he was driving flipped during the race.

In 2016, experienced Sydney waterskier Kevin Vahtrik died after falling into the water at high speed.

In 2010, a 41-year-old Melbourne man Tim Driver died after he and another skier crashed during the event. Multiple other competitors were injured.

A skier on the Southern 80 course in the Murray River on Sunday. Picture: Ian Currie

In 2007, Craig O’Toole was found dead after a speedboat crash.

In 2006, 38-year-old David Perotto from NSW was being towed tandem at high speed behind a boat while practising for the event when he fell and suffered fatal head injuries.

In 1987, Ashley French died at the event.

There have also been multiple other injuries at the event, including Queensland man Noel Griffin escaping a burning boat in 2011.

In 2013, a skier was taken to hospital with a broken leg while another man was burnt after his boat caught fire before sinking.

The Southern 80 attracts entries from all over Australia, plus international competitors from New Zealand, Great Britain and the US, according to the event’s website.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesman said responders had also attended a second emergency call, in Torrumbarry, on the river on Sunday morning.

The organisers of the event have been contacted for comment.