‘Wave of love’: Khai Cowley’s heartbroken family remembers the fatal shark attack victim

Mates continue to bring flowers to a bench overlooking Seaford Beach as they grapple with the loss of fatal shark attack victim Khai Cowley.

The heartbroken family of fatal shark attack victim Khai Cowley has remembered the young surfer as a courageous spirit whose passing has generated a “wave of love” from the local community.

Khai, 15, was visiting popular tourist spot, Ethel Beach in Innes National Park, with his dad on Thursday afternoon when he died after being attacked by a shark.

Friends of Khai, who were part of the same junior surf club Microgroms, came out to the memorial spot at Seaford Beach early Sunday morning to pay their respects and lay fresh flowers.

One friend, who rode his bike to the spot, said although Khai went to a different school, they knew each other well through surfing.

“I brought the yellow flowers,” he said.

His uncle and fellow surfer, Adam Barley, told The Advertiser his nephew’s courage in the water knew no bounds.

“He was very courageous, he would surf bigger waves than his dad Tim,” he said.

Mr Barley said Khai, a third generation surfer and state champion, was universally loved by all who knew him.

“He was an exciting young man who had the ability to bring everyone together. He was loved by all,” he said.

“He has generated a wave of love over the whole surfing community – it’s overwhelming.”

The uncle of Khai Cowley, Adam Barley with flowers and his handmade memorial to Khai at Seaford Beach. Picture: Ben Clark

Khai Cowley with grandfather Peter Barley and uncle Adam Barley. Picture: Supplied

Khai’s aunty Lauryn Barley set up a GoFundMe to help his parents Tim and Kate raise money for his funeral, with more than 1300 donors raising nearly $75,000 by Saturday.

A “paddle out” event in Khai’s honour has also been organised for the local surfing community to celebrate his life and passion for the sport.

Khai’s grandfather, Peter Barley, said their devastated family was still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

“I keep thinking at any minute he’s just going to keep walking through the front door,” Mr Barley told 9News.

“We are so hurting, I’ve never seen people so hurt, honestly. It’s something to behold.

“But we are a very close, strong family and we’ll get through it.”

Mr Barley said Khai had an incredible love for surfing, which he shared with his uncle Adam and himself.

“Even if Khai would have survived this, he would have still kept surfing, that was the nature of Khai,” he said.

“The connection between Adam and Khai, just witnessing it, used to make me cry sometimes. “When we were out on the water, it was like magic, us three together it was magical.”

Khai’s uncle Adam said Khai always lived life to the fullest.

“He really did make the most of life, he didn’t waste a second,” he said.

Khai, back left, with his family, Tim, Jett and Kate, his uncle Adam Barley and grandfather Peter Barley. Picture: Supplied by the family

Surfer Khai Cowley, 15, was fatally attacked by a shark at Ethel Beach in South Australia's Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, on the Yorke Peninsula. Picture: Facebook

His uncle Adam Barley said Khai, a third generation surfer and state champion, was universally loved by all who knew him. Picture: Facebook

Touching act of kindness from Benjy Weenink’s grieving family

Among the donors to the GoFundMe was mother Anna Weenink and stepmother Olivia Watson, who tragically lost their 16-year-old son Benjy in a Second Valley crash just weeks before Christmas.

Ms Watson and Ms Weenink left a heartwarming message of support, while making a generous donation to the Cowley family.

“We are devastated for Khai’s family and want to express our deepest condolences and prayers for comfort at this time,” they wrote on the fundraiser.

“We didn’t know Khai, but we suddenly lost our 16 year old son Benjy a couple of weeks before Christmas, and we know the utter heartbreak and shock you are experiencing.

“We hope you can find strength at this time through the love of those around you. With love from Liv and Anna Weenink x.”

The Urrbrae Agricultural High School Year 10 student was involved in a crash that left four others injured, when the driver of a ute in which he was a passenger lost control on Main South Road on December 10.

Benjy Weenink, who was killed in a car crash at Second Valley on December 10, with his mother Anna. Picture: Facebook

Benjy Weenink who died in a fatal car accident at Second Valley. Picture: Supplied

The Micgroms Surf Club, where Khai was a member, also shared a heartwarming tribute on the fundraising page, along with a $1000 donation.

“We are devastated by the passing of Khai, who was a member of our club since 2016,” the club wrote.

“He was a kind and considerate person, a good friend, and a talented surfer. Khai was well respected and admired by all who knew him.

“Love and support to his family. We will miss you grommet.”

Donors have shared messages of love on a GoFundMe fundraising page. Picture: GoFundMe/EspenJack

Espen Jack shared a tribute to Khai Cowley, who was tragically killed by a shark at Ethel Beach on the Yorke Peninsula. Picture: GoFundMe/EspenJack

Another donor, Espen Jack, who “caught the train” and “surfed with him a couple of times,” shared his devastation over Khai’s tragic death.

“Khai was such a legend! Caught the train with him for a whole year and always chatted about surfing! Surfed with him a couple of times and he always ripped!

“Didn’t believe it when I heard the breaking news. No more buddy to race up the stairs at the train station at exactly 3:45 every day to get away from the crowd that gets off the train after school!

“Keep being a legend up there Khai grommie everyone loves you and misses you brother.”

Originally published as ‘Wave of love’: Khai Cowley’s heartbroken family remembers the fatal shark attack victim