Rory McGuire: Dad-of-two drowns in New Year's tradition after jumping into water 'to get something' before disappearing beneath the surface
- Father tragically dies on New Year's Day
- He drowned after jumping into Manly Harbour
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The family of a father-of-two who drowned after jumping from a boat in Brisbane on New Year's Day have paid a moving tribute.
Rory McGuire, a Perth man, was last seen alive jumping into Manly Harbor to retrieve an item just before 11pm on January 1.
The 46-year-old's body was found by Queensland Police the following morning following a search by police divers and water police.
The death is the fifth to rock the Perth community where Mr McGuire lived. His father Peter McGuire mourned the loss online.
“It's so hard to believe this situation. A part of us is missing until sometime in the future,” Mr McGuire said.
“But the memories will linger and remain fresh in our hearts until it is our time to go fishing in the blue, blue water in the sky.”
Rory McGuire, a Perth man, was last seen alive when he jumped into Manly Harbor to pick up an item just before 11pm on January 1.
Brother Angus McGuire also took to social media to pay tribute, saying: “This isn't goodbye, it's see you Rozza”.
“You were loved by all and you will be missed forever. What a tragedy to have to take you from this world so soon. Rest in peace brother.'
Mr McGuire reportedly left behind a wife and two children aged 11 and nine, as family friends mourned the loss.
Family friend Valerie Beaver wrote on social media under a message from brother Angus that she “couldn't believe Rory is gone”.
“You boys, together with your father and mother, have been part of our family for more than twenty years through the friendship of table tennis,” she said.
Katie Turner also said that Mr McGuire “was always one of my favorite people (who) could always make me laugh”.
The 46-year-old's body was found the next morning by Queensland Police after a search by police divers and water police (Rory McGuire, right, with family members)
“I will never forget that cheeky grin. I feel very blessed to call him my friend for over 40 years,” she said.
“Thanks for the memories Rozza. I'm sorry for your loss. Sending so much love to you all during this tragic time.”
Queensland police said on Tuesday they had yet to formally identify Mr McGuire and that he had already surfaced once before he disappeared.
His death marks the latest in a series of horror drownings in the Sunshine State, including three deaths after a boat capsized on Boxing Day.
The loss is particularly serious for the Perth community, which has lost five people to drownings this week, including two young children.
Sonny Skrzypek, six, and his four-year-old Kiwi cousin Eddie Lawrence drowned in a swimming hole in New Zealand on December 29.
On New Year's Eve, a further two children – aged six and four – were found unconscious in Swan River and pronounced dead in hospital.