Missing 15-year-old Luca Bennett’s body found after he was swept away on Christmas Eve

The 15-year-old’s body is being recovered by emergency responders after he was swept off a rock shelf at North Avoca Beach on the NSW Central Coast.

Luca Bennett who lost his life on the central coast after being washed off the rocks at North Avoca Beach, pictured with mum Michelle. Pic Supplied.

The body of 15-year-old Luca Bennett who was swept off a rock shelf at North Avoca Beach on the NSW Central Coast has been found and is being recovered by emergency responders.

Luca’s mother Michelle wrote on Facebook: “Our beautiful Luca J has been found. Dolphins were circling (North) Avoca rocks since 5am this morning. The ocean lifted him up onto the rocks.

“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.”

The teenager was swept out along with two friends when a wave pushed them off a rock shelf into the water. It is understood his friends got back to shore and raised the alarm with lifeguards.

An air and sea rescue operation was launched around 3pm on Christmas Eve with two helicopters, police and volunteers all joining the search. The search was called off on Thursday afternoon, with rescuers entering a recovery stage.

Friends of Luca Bennett scratch his name into the rock at North Avoca where he was swept into the ocean on Christmas Eve. Picture: Tom Parrish

“Today is a sad day for The Central Coast community. However, it is inspiring to see the strong and ongoing support from local residents across the region for the family during this difficult period,” said Central Coast councillor Jared Wright.

“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends, as well as the broader North Avoca and Central Coast communities.”

A fundraiser that has been set up in Luca’s memory has raised more than $80,000.

He was remembered as a “talented basketballer” with a “boisterous infectious laugh and arms always wide open for a hug”.

“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,” the GoFundMe page reads.