Luca Bennett’s parents pay tribute as search shifts to recovery operation

NSW Police have confirmed they have found a body, believed to be that of missing 15-year-old Luca Bennett, after an agonising four-day search.

Surf rescue teams search for a missing teen who was swept off the rocks at off North Avoca. Photo: Tom Parrish

The body of a missing teenager Luca Bennett has been found after an agonising four-day search.

The Central Coast 15-year-old went missing on Christmas Eve, when he was swept off rocks and into the water at North Avoca Beach.

A promising teen basketballer, Luca was with friends on the rocks at the beach when the group was hit by a rogue wave about 2.40pm on Tuesday.

Two of the friends managed to climb back onto the rocks, but Luca disappeared beneath the water.

For two days, rescuers searched frantically for the teen, however on Boxing Day it was announced the search had shifted to a recovery operation.

Scots student Luca Bennett was a talented basketballer. Picture: Instagram

In a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, Luca’s mother Michelle Bennett wrote that her “beautiful Luca J has been found”.

“Dolphins were circling Nth Avoca rocks since 5am this morning. The ocean lifted him up onto the rocks,” Mrs Bennett wrote.

“The incredible team from our Surf Clubs, Police and marine rescue, paramedics are retrieving him for us.

“We can’t ever begin to explain our immense gratitude to them and all of our family, friends and community. We love you.”

NSW Police confirmed that a body, believed to be Luca’s, was found about 12pm Friday and an operation was launched to recover it.

A GoFundMe fundraiser created on the Bennett family’s behalf has raised more than $80,000 in less than 24 hours, surpassing its goal of $50,000.

Created by friend Emma Power, the fundraiser was created to “ease the financial burden of what lies ahead.”

Surf rescue teams searching for Luca, who was swept off the rocks at off North Avoca. Picture: Tom Parrish

“Luca was a friend to many, he had a twinkle in his eye, boisterous infectious laugh and arms always wide open for a hug.

“He was a talented basketballer, and always gave his time to shoot around with younger athletes, and loved a scrimmage against the older boys.

“That’s the thing about Luca, everyone loved being around him, and you always walked away with heart full and a smile on your face.

“Misch and Jase, Luca’s siblings, and extended family are coping as best they can, together. “They are so grateful for the outpouring of love from our community, and the rescue teams that continue the search to bring Luca home to them to rest.

“Please donate what you can to help to ease the financial burden of what lies ahead. Let the family concentrate on bringing him home,” Ms Power wrote.

Paying tribute

On Wednesday, Luca’s parents paid tribute to their son, while his school has made a touching tribute in honour of the “exceptionally talented” teen.

Friends of Luca Bennett scratch his name into the rock at North Avoca where he was swept off yesterday afternoon. Picture: Tom Parrish

Friends of Luca Bennett scratch his name into the rock at North Avoca where he was swept off yesterday afternoon. Picture: Tom Parrish

In a Facebook post, Luca’s parents, Michelle and Jason Bennett, thanked the community for their support.

“Yesterday we lost our darling beloved Luca J. Everyone is doing the best they can to search for him and bring him home to us. We are so grateful.

“He was the most perfect son and we can’t believe it’s real. When we have him home we will release details of funeral etc.

“Please send your love out to Luca and listen to some Frank Ocean,” they wrote.

Scots College – Luca’s high school – almost made a statement overnight, paying tribute to the “exceptionally talented” young man.

In a statement principal Dr Ian Lambert, offered support to Luca’s friends and family.

“Luca was an exceptionally talented and passionate basketball player with huge potential, but above all else, he was a solid and reliable teammate,” he wrote.

Luca Bennett, 15.

“He was also a skilled artist and his passion for art was contagious, often inspiring other boys in the classroom to dig deeper.

“He was a deep thinker with a big heart that cared for others. Luca often shared with staff his love for his family and how much he wanted to honour his parents by making the most of every opportunity.

“He mirrored his parents’ unconditional love in how he treated others, always making the people he spoke to feel valued and loved.

“We will remember him for his kindness, passion, sense of humour and beautiful smile. We send our deepest sympathies, our love, our prayers and our support, to his family.”

Dr Lambert said the college will be hosting a memorial service in Term 1 for students and staff to honour the life and memory of Luca.

Originally published as Luca Bennett’s parents pay tribute as search shifts to recovery operation