Devoted husband, father of four remembered after tragic Mackay dam death

Queensland Origin legend Billy Slater’s brother-in-law has died after helping save his nine-year-old daughter following a boating tragedy on a dam.

Loving husband and father of four Ryan Craig passed away on Saturday March 9 after saving his daughter from drowning.

Queensland Origin legend Billy Slater's brother in law has died after helping to save his nine year old daughter after she went overboard from their boat into a dam.

Ryan Craig was a beloved husband, a devoted dad and a great mate to his friends.

Tributes are pouring in after a tragic boating accident in Kinchant Dam near Mackay which claimed the life of the 40-year-old.

One of his final heroic acts was to help save his nine year old daughter who went overboard.

Billy Slater on Tuesday declined to comment on the tragedy, saying he wanted to respect his family’s privacy.

Mr Craig, of North Eton, was the husband of Slater’s older sister Sheena. Together they raised four beautiful children.

The family’s nightmare began on Saturday when Mr Craig and his nine year old daughter had gone overboard from a boat sometime after 11am.

It was later confirmed by police that Mr Craig’s final actions had “definitely saved his daughter's life”.

The ensuing search went on for over 48 hours and concluded when volunteers search and rescue personnel pulled Mr Craig’s body from the dam.

Mr Craig’s family were with him at the time he went into the water and were taken to the dam’s shore at 12:29pm while a passing jet skier managed to help rescue the nine-year-old who had gone overboard.

It is unclear why the family’s boat had broken down but poor weather conditions caused the boat to sink.

It was recovered just after 12pm on Sunday, March 10.

Friends have passed on their condolences and reminisced over time spent with Mr Craig.

Ryan Craig's final actions saved the life of his 9 year old daughter.

“Man had some good times and laughs out at the bay,” wrote friend Dean Tass.

“Those chats that started off serious but ended up in tears of laughter because we went off topic.

“My heart is sore for you and your whole family mate.”

Ryan was married to Sheena Slater and the two raised a beautiful young family together.

Friend of the family Crystal Edwards wrote that “he was a loving husband, a devoted father and a great friend”.

Scott Jorgensen, another friend of Ryan’s, wrote that he will remember Ryan as “a man who fiercely loved his family and friends”, a sentiment that was echoed by many of those who knew Mr Craig.

Nicholas Bozier, wrote that he will miss Ryan’s “words of wisdom”.

“Absolutely devastating news. Heart goes out to your wife and daughters mate I know you’ll be watching over them,” Mr Bozier wrote.

The Daily Mercury Team and entire Mackay region mourns with Mr Craig’s family, friends and any who were lucky enough to know him.

Originally published as Devoted husband, father of four remembered after tragic Mackay dam death