Ipswich teen Raniera de Thierry remembered after tragic Gold Coast swimming hole death

An Ipswich family has shared their heartbreak over the loss of their beloved son, who will remain “forever 18” after his death at a notorious Gold Coast swimming hole over the weekend.

18-year-old Raniera “Rani” de Thierry died on Sunday, October 15, at Currumbin rock pools. Picture: Facebook

A grieving family has shared a touching tribute for an Ipswich teenager who died at a notorious Gold Coast swimming hole over the weekend.

Now “forever 18”, his family say they will remember Raniera “Rani” de Thierry for his “beautiful heart”.

Rani, understood to be a former Redbank Plains State High School student, died on Sunday, October 15, at Currumbin rock pools on Currumbin Creek Rd.

He reportedly jumped in the water and failed to resurface just before 4pm.

Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances after recovering Rani’s body around 8pm.

The Ipswich man’s family has since posted about their devastation on social media.

Rani’s mother Kylie Hikuroa shared a touching tribute to her son on Facebook.

“If we could describe what hell feels like, it’s losing your baby,” Ms Hikuroa said.

“The pain we feel is beyond unbearable which we don’t wish upon anyone.”

Ms Hikuroa offered her thanks to the first responders, along with others who provided their support.

She said the family was planning a funeral for Rani at their home in Collingwood Park.

“We will keep everyone updated when Our Son is returned to us over the coming days but in the meantime our home is open to all who wish to be with us during this time of sadness,” she said.

Rani’s “Nanny and Papa” shared how their “world crumbled” after receiving a call at 11.50pm.

“Words cannot express the loss of one’s child, someone so young,” they posted.

“You will be so missed by all your friends Rani.

“Fly with the angels.”

Rani’s aunt posted that she was “lost for words”.

“To my beautiful nephew u (sic) had such a beautiful heart may u rest easy now u have touched so many peoples hearts and left so many pages unturned,” she wrote.

Another family member shared fond memories about laughing with Rani and talking about anime together.

“We won’t be able to light some fireworks like you wanted too together,” she said.

“But you’ll always be the one we think of when we do let some off.

“The stars are gonna look even more beautiful with you joining them.”

Originally published as Ipswich teen Raniera de Thierry remembered after tragic Gold Coast swimming hole death