Wappa Falls deaths: Tributes for Beau Liddell and Honor Ward, 17

A memorial event for the kind-hearted teen girl and the hero boy who tried to save her in a Sunshine Coast waterfall tragedy will be held tonight. DETAILS.

A 17-year-old boy who died trying to save a teenage girl below a raging waterfall has been hailed for his heroic efforts as the second teen involved in the tragic incident has been identified.

Loved ones will gather to mourn their loss at one of the teen’s favourite Noosa parks.

More details about the hidden dangers of the popular swimming spot are also coming to light as loved ones and the community reel from the double fatality.

Police said emergency services initially responded to reports a 17-year-old girl, Honor Ward, of the Sunshine Coast fell off a waterfall at Wappa Falls near Yandina and failed to resurface about 2.30pm on Sunday, January 19.

Beau Liddell, 17, also from the Sunshine Coast, jumped into the water to find the girl, and also failed to resurface.

A search and rescue started about 2.50pm using the Queensland Fire Department and police divers.

About 3.30pm the missing girl was found dead in the water, by emergency services.

Beau’s body was also found in the water by police divers at 7.25pm.

Beau Liddell, 17.

With permission from Honor’s family, Angela Loynd Au has organised a memorial in her honour for Tuesday evening at Noosa.

“Come together to celebrate the life of Honor Ward, who tragically passed away on Sunday at Wappa Falls,” she said.

“This is a time for friends, family, and community to remember the remarkable young woman she was.

“We have arranged this gathering to remember this beautiful soul at the kid’s favourite hangout, Chaplin Park, near Gympie Terrace in Noosaville, 6.30pm.

“All who know Honor or would like to show their support are welcome.

“We would also like to extend an invitation to Beau’s family and friends.”

Honor Ward. Picture: Facebook/Angela Loynd Âû.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Education confirmed the two teens had previously attended Sunshine Beach State High School and said the school community was heartbroken.

“Our sincerest thoughts and sympathies are with their families during this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

“Support is available for anyone impacted by this tragedy through the Department of Education’s North Coast Regional Office. Guidance Officer support will also be available at the school for students, parents, and staff members at the start of the school year.”

In the wake of these deaths a GoFundMe campaign has been launched for Beau.

A friend of the Liddell family, Stephanie Neal, started it to assist with funeral costs.

Beau Liddell. Picture: GoFundMe.

“Beau was a beautiful, creative and kind 17-year-old boy with his whole life ahead of him,” she said.

“Beau’s bravery and courage in his last moments will never forgotten.

“These funds will go directly to paying for the costs associated with his funeral service and a wake in his honour.

“Beau’s family are incredibly grateful for any contribution that you can make.”

Honor Ward, 17.

Beau’s older sister, Skye Liddell, 19, has also shared a heartbreaking tribute.

“I miss you so badly baby brother,” she said.

“You had the most caring and kind heart.

“I am so proud of you.

“I love you to the moon and back, forever and always.”

Co-workers of Honor who worked with her at a Noosa discount store described her as a beautiful soul who would be greatly missed.

Assistant manager at the store Chelsea Perry said employees were told of the tragedy on Monday.

“She was just beautiful, just so happy and so kind,” Ms Perry said.

“Hanging out with friends is what she loved to do, she was very social.”

Staff member, Julie Blackman, said Honor “was just the most beautiful soul”.

Another friend paid tribute to the 17-year-old online.

“My soul tie, my best friend, twin sister forever n ever,” she said.

The double tragedy has shattered the close knit communities of Nambour and Yandina and the wider Sunshine Coast community.

Beau Liddell. Picture – Instagram/Jazza Neave.

Another friend shared a touching tribute.

“Words can’t describe how much I’m going to miss you brother, feels like just yesterday we were going to the bp buying vanilla cokes and leaving the change on the electrical box,” Jazza Neaves said.

“Life throws curveballs but I never thought that this would be one … we grew together over the years and both changed so much.

“I’m shattered what I would do to be able to talk to you for a last time … we hold so many memories together and I'm glad we were able to make so many together.

“I'm hoping they have green apple gatorades up there for you bro, because if they don’t I know my boys gonna sort it out … gonna miss you so much g will spend every second thinking about you.

“You left the world a hero and you will never be forgotten … I love you my brother fly high.”

Swiftwater fire crews on the scene of the double tragedy. Picture: 9News

Wappa Falls are a popular destination, particularly for young people, but can be deadly after heavy rain.

There has been heavy rain in recent weeks and more rain on Saturday night.

People attending the falls described them as raging.

HIDDEN DANGERS OF DEADLY WAPPA FALLS

Locals say there is a cave and tunnels that can suck people in when the water is moving fast after the rain.

Maroochydore teen, Connor Walsh, stopped by the falls on Monday morning after hearing about the tragedy.

Mr Walsh said he had a close call at the swimming spot in the past.

“We were just sitting in one of the little holes and we got swept out and over the waterfall, we got churned a couple of times by luckily got spat out,” Mr Walsh said.

“It was nowhere as rough as this though.”

Mr Walsh offered his condolences to the family of the teens, describing the accident as “completely tragic.”

“The underwater rock at Wappa Falls is like honeycomb. There are multiple tunnels that, when the water is fast flowing from rain, forces debris and swimmers in but is too strong for them to return or find their way out,’’ one person explained on Reddit.

“I grew up a few hundred metres from the swimming hole and have seen people and dogs drown there too many times. I have heard it said that police scuba divers were unable to reach the bottom due to the depth.”

Another said there was “a cave very shallow cave beside the waterfall, then directly under and the waterfall the rock is a bit scooped out. “

Police during the search for the teenagers. Picture: Today/Facebook.

People attending the falls described them as raging.

The warning sign at. Wappa Falls where a teenage boy and girl died on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Brendan West

Even walking around the falls can be very dangerous after the rain with people known to have slipped on the rocks.

There have been numerous tragedies over the years, including the deaths of other young people, with a warning sign of the hazards at the top of the falls.

WAPPA FALLS SCENE OF TOO MANY DEATHS

Two years ago, on January 2, a man died at Wappa Falls trying to save his young son who had fallen into the water.

The 49-year-old father died shortly before 2pm and his body was not found until about 6.30pm after an extensive search effort. Police later confirmed the child had been rescued.

Residents took to social media to express their sympathy for the families of the young people involved in the latest tragedy and to praise the teenage boy for his efforts in trying to save his friend.

“That young man showed incredible courage to jump in after the girl to try and rescue her. So heartbreaking for their families,’’ Kerry Bianchi said.

Swiftwater fire crews in the water at Wappa Falls. Picture: 9News

Jaimie Sarelle expressed a similar sentiment.

“This young man will always be remembered for the caring, kind heart that he had to not even hesitate but to jump in after his dear friend.” “So sad and such a tragic way to start the year.”

Others said the deaths were heartbreaking for the families and for the local community.

“May they fly amongst the angels and be forever in your hearts,’’ Natasha Lee posted.

Wappa Falls, Queensland

Margaret Webb said there used to be a plaque commemorating a local lad of a similar age who also lost his life there. “But I noticed recently it had been removed by someone.”

“Condolences to the families of the deceased.

“Well done to emergency services personnel for their quick response and untiring search efforts under extreme flooding conditions,’’ she said.

Emergency crews at Wappa Falls, where two teens failed to resurface. Picture: 9News

“So traumatic for all involved. Hope you all receive the support and counselling you may need to help you through this traumatic experience.”

Owen Oxley expressed the sentiment of many. “Heartbreaking. Their lives were just beginning.”

Others questioned why people continue to swim there, particularly after the rain.

Police at the scene of a double drowning at Wappa Falls on the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Picture: 9News

“How many people need to die at Wappa falls! It is so dangerous!” Nicky Garrett said.

’’My family, myself included have lived in that area for 65 years! It is dangerous please everyone needs to stop swimming there! I know it looks good on a hot day. But there is plenty of other safer areas!”

“I am so sorry for both families loss! This waterfall has claimed countless lives! Those poor kids!”

Swimmers have been known to become trapped under the fast flowing waters at Wappa Falls at Yandina.

Michael Kropp said he lost a good friend, Dominic Hayes back in 2007 to the same waters.

He urged restraint in people making critical comments.

“Can we please respect the families involved in this tough time.”

Mel Carmichael said she was only there on Thursday morning swimming with her two girls and it was beautiful. “My heart breaks for the families involved.”

Police will prepare reports for the coroner for both the girl and the boy.

Wappa Falls remains closed at this time as investigations continue.

Originally published as Wappa Falls deaths: Tributes for Beau Liddell and Honor Ward, 17