Far North psychologist Petr Hanzak, 64, dies after kayaking tragedy

A ‘father figure’ of the Far North paddling community who was rescued from Behana Gorge after a kayaking incident last week has tragically died.

Petr Hanzak, 64, died on Sunday, January 22 after a kayaking tragedy. Picture: Eve Stafford

A respected health worker has died after a kayaking tragedy in Behana Gorge.

Petr Hanzak was paddling on the lower section of Behana Creek on Thursday, January 18, when, in a freak accident, his kayak capsized and jettisoned the 64-year-old into a tree, according to family friend Eve Stafford.

Another kayaker pulled him from the water and resuscitated him.

Petr Hanzak was kayaking on the lower section of the Behana Creek when his kayak capsized. Picture: Brendan Radke

Swift water crews completed the rescue and paramedics transported Mr Hanzak to Cairns Hospital with suspected spinal injuries.

His condition became critical over the weekend and, after fighting for his life for four days, he died on Sunday afternoon surrounded by loved ones.

Mr Hanzak was revered by many in the Far North’s paddling community as a “father figure”, Ms Stafford said.

“He was quite an extraordinary person,” she said.

Mr Hanzak was a psychologist with Queensland Health and had been working at a Smithfield practice.

A police spokesman said a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Originally published as Far North psychologist Petr Hanzak, 64, dies after kayaking tragedy