Skier killed in Euston Robinvale 80 on long weekend

Friends and family have paid tribute to a father-of-two killed in a horror ski racing accident on Saturday on the Victoria-NSW border, remembering him as a “legend”.

A skier has died during the Euston Robinvale 80. Photo: Stock.

A ski racing competitor killed during a horror accident on the Victorian-NSW border has been remembered as a “true legend”.

Father-of-two Mathew Arnall, from NSW, died after suffering serious injuries as a result of a fall during the Robinvale Euston 80 on Saturday morning.

Friends and family took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Arnell including his wife Tara who shared photos of the pair.

Kellie Arnall paid her respects in a social media post.

“I’m stuffed for someone to talk to everyday now- we’ve helped each other get through the past few years that’s been thrown at us so unsure what I’m to do,” she said.

Aaron Sheath shared his memories of skiing alongside Mr Arnell.

Mathew Arnell with his wife Tara.

“Absolutely gutted losing this legend today,” he wrote.

“Skied side by side, sat backwards for his young fellas, towed his young fella to a record to even pulling Matty’s crazy ass behind the gun on a social.

“Absolute gentleman of a man, love ya Matty.”

Jayden Sheath said “skiing beside you will be a memory I’ll never let go.”

Kaly Smith described his as a “true legend of a bloke”.

In a statement from Ski Racing Victoria on Saturday night, organisers confirmed the remainder of the event had been called off.

“Unfortunately, during this morning’s racing at the Euston Robinvale 80 water ski race, there was an incident involving one of our competing teams where a skier fell and suffered serious injuries,” the statement said.

“The skier was administered CPR but could not be revived by the attending paramedics.

“Racing was immediately cancelled for the day.

“As a ski racing community we are here to support the affected family and team members as well as the wider ski racing community at this very sad time. We wish to thank everyone for the efforts and support, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.

“After careful consideration and consultation with the governing bodies, emergency services and the organising committees, racing will not ahead tomorrow.”

A NSW Police spokesperson said a report would now be prepared for the coroner.

It comes after emergency services were called to the scene about 11am after reports a man had been injured while water skiing.

“The skier - believed to be a 42-year-old man - was treated by Ambulance Victoria paramedics; however, he died at the scene,” they said.

“He is yet to be formally identified.

“With assistance from Victoria Police, officers attached to Barrier Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

One social media user labelled it as “another sad day for ski racing”.

Another said “so sad for ski racing again”.

The accident follows the death of Luke Wentworth during last month’s Southern 80 at Echuca-Moama.

Mr Wentworth was killed after falling during the race and could not be revived.