Emerald Creek Falls victim identified as Luke McDonald, 20 of Wondecla

A young apprentice carpenter remembered as the “most loving and kind person” has been identified as the victim of a tragic discovery at a Far Northern waterfall.

A TABLELANDS apprentice carpenter remembered as the “most loving and kind person” has been identified as the victim of a tragic discovery at a Far Northern waterfall.

Wondelca man Luke McDonald, 20, was found dead by police divers in the water at Emerald Creek Falls on Sunday, after a search that began the previous day.

Cairns police acting inspector Andrew Cowie said Mr McDonald was with a group of friends before indicating he was going to walk ahead.

Alarm was raised when he failed to return.

“Police don’t believe there are any suspicious circumstances, it’s a very tragic incident,” Act Insp Cowie said.

“The family are very upset of course.”

Luke McDonald, 20, with his friend Ethan Marsh. Picture: Supplied

Paying his respects, long-term friend Ethan Marsh of Herberton said the QBuild apprentice carpenter had always been an adventurous person who loved camping and “just anything to do with spending time with his mates”.

“Luke was like an older brother to all his mates, very kind and always thought of others before himself, always made us feel better no matter what,” Mr Marsh said.

“I feel upset that I lost a brother but I know he will always be watching over all of us.”

Ethan Marsh with his friend Luke McDonald, 20. Mr McDonald was indentified as the victim of a fatal incident at Emerald Creek Falls. Picture: Supplied

Act Insp Cowie said police were still considering various reasons for Mr McDonalds death.

“The environment up there is rough environment,” he said.

“The watercourse, there was a slightly more amount of water in there, than there is normally. “However it wasn’t in flood situation.”

Originally published as Emerald Creek Falls victim identified as Luke McDonald, 20 of Wondecla