Family and loved ones remember waterfall victim Honor Ward at funeral

The family of the 17-year-old girl who died in the Sunshine Coast waterfall double tragedy gathered to remember her ‘free-spirited’, ‘kind’ nature and also spoke of the boy who tried to save her.

Beau Liddell and Honor Ward.

The family of the 17-year-old girl who died in the double waterfall tragedy at the Sunshine Coast this month gathered to remember and celebrate her “free-spirited”, “kind”, and “strong-willed” nature.

Honor Ward and Beau Liddell, also 17, tragically died at Wappa Falls earlier this month.

Emergency crews initially responded to reports Honor had fallen and failed to resurface about 2.30pm on Sunday, January 19 with Beau trying to rescue her.

On Friday, January 31, family and loved ones remembered Honor at her funeral.

Honor’s father, Steve Ward, shared a heartbreaking tribute to his daughter.

Steve Ward speaking at his daughter Honor's funeral. Picture: Gregson and Weight Funeral Directors livestream.

But first he gave his condolences to Beau’s family.

“I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the amazing bravery of Beau,” he said.

“This was a tragic accident and I’d like to thank Beau from the bottom of our hearts for trying to save Honor.”

Mr Ward then led a round of applause for “Beau’s strength and bravery”.

Mr Ward spoke of his daughter.

“This is the story of our beautiful funny daughter Honor,” he said.

Honor Ward.

“Blonde hair, blue eyes and a dazzling smile.

“She was funny, entertaining, cute and cuddly but then not so cuddly in her teenage years.”

Carly Connelly hosted the funeral at Gregson and Weight Funeral Directors.

“Who (Honor) was deeply kind and who loved animals … especially horses and dogs and being outdoors exploring places,” she said.

“People were drawn to her humour and warmth.

Honor Ward tragically died at Wappa Falls o the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“They (her parents) said Honor was a free spirit who didn't care much for rules, a clean bedroom, or shoes.

Ms Connelly said she was determined and adventurous.

“Honor was wise beyond her years in many ways,” she said.

“Honor was someone who felt deeply and wore her heart on her sleeve.

“Her parents said Honor was blossoming into a beautiful young woman with the world at her feet.

“When I asked Honor’s friends how they would remember her the words strong willed came up a lot.

“She always was a daredevil … anything that seemed like fun she was there.

“She was strong willed and loyal, sassy, loving, and funny, kind and empathetic, selfless, enlightening, brave and considerate … terrible at organisation … never wore any shoes … and terrible with her many phones breaking many.”

Honor’s older brother Ethan Ward then shared a few words.

“Honor was loving, caring and outgoing,” he said.

“She was a kind-hearted girl who would go out of her way for anybody but she was as tough as nails.

“Hug and let your loved ones know you love them. Life is so fragile and can change in the blink of an eye.”

A few of Honor’s favourite teachers spoke at the service along with four of her close friends.

Originally published as Family and loved ones remember waterfall victim Honor Ward at funeral