Parramatta Park man Jesse Casas the fatal victim of a fishing accident at Cairns Marlin Marina

A Paramatta Park man was due to travel to Adelaide for Christmas and see his younger brother for the first time in six years, but a tragic fishing accident in Cairns has left them heartbroken.

A young Parramatta Park man whose body was pulled from beneath the Marlin Marina boardwalk has been described by his family and friends as a “genuinely wonderful person”.

Police believe Jesse Casas, 26, sustained critical injuries when he fell over the barrier while fishing at Marlin Marina near the Cairns Wharf Complex on Tuesday, October 25.

He was located by community members who conducted CPR until emergency services arrived.

Mr Casas, however, died at the scene.

Jesse Casas died while fishing at Marlin Marina in Cairns City on Tuesday, October 25. Picture: Matt Rutledge

Mr Casas, who hailed from Rockingham WA, had lived in Cairns for six years.

In all that time, he hadn’t seen his younger brother, Brody Casas.

But a few weeks before his death, he called Brody to tell him he would be coming to the family’s home in Adelaide for Christmas, where they would finally be reunited.

Sadly, the long anticipated reunion wasn’t to be.

Friends and family have described Jesse Casas as an incredible fisher who loved the sport since he could walk. Picture: Matt Rutledge

“He was a kind-hearted soul who would only bring smiles where he went,” Brody said.

“He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it … he will be missed by everyone.”

Jesse Casas was an avid fisher who learnt the craft from his father and spent six years in the Far North sweeping the tides day and night to snag all sorts of brilliant aquatic specimens.

Jesse Casas with his friend Kallan Jac Peebles. Picture: Kallan Jac Peebles

“He loved fishing ever since he could walk; he was always up for an adventure,” Brody said.

Jesse’s friend Matt Rutledge paid tribute to his mate on Facebook.

“I was absolutely devastated this morning to hear about the passing of Jesse Casas. You were a genuinely wonderful person and a great friend … I wish I’d gotten the chance to go for one more late night Palm Cove mission and that I’d had the chance to tell you how much I appreciated your humour and your constant positivity,” Mr Rutledge wrote.

Jesse Casas’ body was pulled from the area beneath the Cairns Marlin Marina boardwalk on Tuesday morning. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“I hope wherever you are, you’re hooked into a monster of a shark and reeling for all you’re worth. I know that’s how you’d want it. See you on the other side, buddy.”

Brody Casas has started a GoFundMe page to help with the costs of Jesse’s funeral and the transport of his ashes to Rockingham.

The goal total is $5000, of which $1230 had been raised as of Tuesday afternoon.

“Even if it’s just a few dollars every donation counts,” Brody Casas said.

“Please help bring my brother home.”

Originally published as Parramatta Park man Jesse Casas the fatal victim of a fishing accident at Cairns Marlin Marina