Tragedy as man, 21, drowns during freedive

A young man has tragically died after he attempted to freedive while kayaking near Dawesville, about 90km south of Perth.

Tributes have poured in for a 21-year-old man who drowned on Sunday afternoon while freediving near Dawesville, about 90km south of Perth.

Sam Hamilton, a physiotherapy student from Yanchep in Western Australia, was reportedly kayaking with his partner when tragedy struck.

He attempted to freedive, but moments later he floated back to the surface semiconscious, before he eventually stopped breathing.

His partner desperately tried to revive him as she activated an EPIRB on her kayak, which prompted the arrival of a marine rescue vessel, according to The West Australian.

He was given first aid by a paramedic who was lowered into the boat by an RAC Rescue helicopter, but despite all of their first-aid efforts, Mr Hamilton could not be saved.

Tributes have poured in for Sam Hamilton after he drowned on Sunday afternoon while freediving near Dawesville, about 90km south of Perth. Picture: Facebook

She took to Facebook on Tuesday where she shared a loving photo of the two of them, alongside the words, “My love forever and always”.

Mr Hamilton has been remembered for his “passion for life” as friends and family pay continue to pay tribute to the young man.

“Until this time still cannot believe that you leave us first. You will always be missed every time. You will always be in our heart. Rest in Peace dearest Sam Hamilton,” a friend posted on Facebook.

Mr Hamilton’s uncle Jono Faulkner shared a heartfelt post about his “beautiful” nephew.

“I can’t believe you are gone. When I got the call my world crashed around me,” he wrote.

He was kayaking with his partner when tragedy struck. Picture: Facebook

“I loved you like a son. We shared a love of the ocean and you went doing something you loved. I loved your passion for life. I loved your deep thoughts. I loved being on the boat and in the water with you.”

He continued: “I loved the way you didn’t care what others thought and your thoughtfulness for others. I loved your smile. I loved your laugh. I loved your amazing insights into life at such a young age.”

Sam with his uncle Jono Faulkiner who shared a heartfelt post about his nephew. Picture: Facebook

Mr Faulkiner spoke about how he felt every time he received a hug from his nephew, adding “it always felt like you meant it”.

“I will love you eternally mate. I bet the waters up there are amazing. Look forward to the day we can dive together again mate. Forever in my heart.”

His post was met with an outpouring of love with many adding their memories of Mr Hamilton.

“Thinking of you Faulkner family. Whenever I look at our trampoline it reminds me of all the boys laughing and carrying it down gaze road from Digby & Marnie’s house. Sending so much love your way,” a friend responded.

“Beautiful Jono️. What an incredible young man. Much love to you all as you navigate this extremely devastating time,” another added.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.