NRL legend's brother-in-law dies trying to save his daughter

The Melbourne Storm and Queensland Maroons icon faces a devastating family loss as a relative tragically died attempting to rescue his daughter in a heartbreaking incident.

Former NRL star Billy Slater has faced an enormous family tragedy as his brother-in-law, Ryan Craig, lost his life while heroically saving his daughter from drowning last weekend in Queensland. 

Craig, who was married to Slater’s older sister, Sheena, died over the weekend after he and his daughter were thrown overboard on Kinchant Dam near Mackay.

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The incident

The family of six were on board a boat when Craig and his nine-year-old daughter went overboard at around 11 am.

While Craig’s daughter was rescued by a person on a passing jet ski after spending thirty minutes in the water, efforts to save the father were unsuccessful.

The mother and their three other children made it to shore safely, and the daughter was taken to Mackay Base Hospital as a precaution.

Authorities, including water police and divers, extensively searched the region before discovering Craig's body in the water on Monday morning during a sizable search and rescue effort, as described by Inspector Glenn Cameron. 

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The investigation is underway

Police are yet to have the full story as to what caused the tragedy, but “preliminary information” has led them to believe “the actions of the man who is now deceased saved his young daughter’s life”, Cameron said.

Cameron added the investigation would look into whether the father and daughter were wearing life jackets, “We do implore people to be as safe as possible on the water,” he said.

“Enjoy the environment, but do it in a safe way.

“Our thoughts are with the family who’ve lost a loved one in these tragic circumstances.

“We never want to see something like this happen.”

Craig is “being remembered as a beloved and devoted husband, father of four children and friend to many.

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Billy with his family. Source: news.com.au

A successful career

Growing up in Innisfail, situated roughly 90 kilometres south of Cairns in Queensland, Slater's journey in the world of sports has ranked him as one of the sport’s best.

Having clinched two premierships with the Melbourne Storm, Slater has smoothly transitioned into coaching. 

Notably, he steered the Queensland Maroons to consecutive triumphs in the State of Origin series over the past two years.

On the field, Slater boasts an impressive record of 31 appearances for the Maroons and 30 matches representing Australia.

Originally published as NRL legend's brother-in-law dies trying to save his daughter