Southern 80 crash victim Luke Wentworth farewelled in touching funeral

Hundreds of family members, friends and members of the water ski racing community have come together to farewell Luke Wentworth, who died in a horror accident on the Murray River.

Luke Wentworth was killed in a water skiing accident at the Southern 80 event on the Murray River. Picture: 7 News

Teammates of a waterskier who died while competing in an event on the Murray River have remembered their “incredibly dedicated” mate and shared stories of his racing triumphs.

Hundreds of family members, friends and members of the water ski racing community came together to farewell Southern 80 victim Luke Wentworth.

Mr Wentworth, in his early 40s, died after falling into the Murray River at Echuca as he competed in the annual river race on February 11.

Representing the Gassa Ski Race team, the truckie could not be revived and the event was cancelled.

His Gassa Ski Race team paid tribute to their mate, reflecting on several stories from race days gone by.

The Gassa Ski Race team paid tribute to their mate on Tuesday. Picture: Tobin Brothers Funerals

Teammate Nathan said he’d cherish his daily phone calls with Mr Wentworth and remembered him as a committed racer.

“Luke was incredibly dedicated in his preparation, constantly in the gym, puffing his chest out, peacocking around,” he said, supported by the rest of his race crew.

“Luke, I’m going to miss our daily phone calls and most of all, hanging out with you, rest easy my friend.

“The support from Luke’s family and friends and ski racing community has been overwhelming, and for that, we thank everyone.”

A series of photos from Mr Wentworth’s childhood then played to the tune of Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses.

Hundreds of family and friends gathered to farewell Mr Wentworth on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

The celebrant then spoke of Mr Wentworth’s remarkable win at another ski race event in 2023.

“As you were speaking Nathan, it reminded me, that win of Luke’s was his Steven Bradbury moment,” he said to a chorus of laughs.

“Every other bugger fell over and he was the last man standing.

“And it doesn’t lessen it, because Steven Bradbury still wears that Gold medal today and I reckon Luke would have cherished that memory and that chequered flag.”

His race crew told of his amazing determination and dedication to the sport. Picture: Supplied

He said the fact Mr Wentworth only took up the sport a few years ago was a testament to his skill and commitment.

“He started (racing) at 36, so three years later he’s in the most gruelling race of all time, quite remarkable, but again, that’s Luke,” he added.

“That’s his determination, he set his sight on something, made himself a goal, and he made certain he achieved it.”

All proceeds and profits made from the Gassa Ski Race team merchandise will be donated to charity.

The Southern 80 event runs at Echuca every summer.

It comes as concerns were raised about a decision by Southern 80 organisers to replay footage of the event online.

For $9.99, viewers can replay the races with “plenty of action to catch up on”, the post reads.

Aiden Lakeman said he thought the idea of selling the vision of the race wasn’t the right call to make.

“I disagree heavily with this post,” he said.

“(Because) due to the incident, respect the family and friends affected by this.

“Still trying to make money off a race that didn’t happen.”

But others thought the race replay was a good way to “appreciate the blood, sweat and tears he (Mr Wentworth) and everyone else on the water” gave.

“Luke died doing something he obviously loved and was passionate about so I’m sure he would want everyone else who loves and appreciates the sport as much as he did to still enjoy it,” Jaaz Caddy said.

“What is the point of him skiing that day and losing his life if we don’t celebrate the sport he lost it in.”

There have now been seven deaths since the event’s inception since the late 1980s.

The Southern 80 is one of the world’s biggest waterski events, staged each year in the border towns of Echuca and Moama with tens of thousands of fans and competitors.