Brides Caves abseiling instructor who died at Boranup site in Western Australia was a loving father
Abseiling instructor, 53, who plunged to death in front of school students after a tragic slip-up, identified as a loving father of a young family
- Abseiling instructor died in Brides Caves
- He was remembered as a loving father
A rappelling instructor who plunged to his death in front of school students while traveling through a series of caves was a loving father to a young family.
Marcello Silveira, 53, slipped and fell about 40 meters from the top of Brides Cave in Boranup, three hours south of Perth, on Thursday.
Mr. Silveira was an experienced outdoor instructor who had led a field trip with a group of Year 11 students from Newman College.
A rappelling instructor who collapsed in front of school students on a trip to a series of caves was a loving father to a young family
Marcello Silveira, 53, slipped and fell about 40 meters from the top of Brides Cave in Boranup, three hours south of Perth, on Thursday
His death has left his family devastated and the 53-year-old remembered as a loving father and husband.
He had studied in Brazil before moving to Australia and celebrated his birthday in early March – just weeks before his death.
Margaret River Officer-in-Charge Sergeant Simone Taplin said Mr Silveira was held in high esteem by his colleagues.
“This gentleman is a well-known and respected member of both the caving society and the Margaret River community,” she said Now Perth.
“I know there are many people who are traumatized by this incident and don’t want to relive the facts in public.”
Outdoors WA chief executive Adam Marr added that he was a respected member of the outdoor activities community.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the instructor’s family, friends, everyone who was present when this accident happened, and the local community,” he said.
Lucie McCrory, acting principal of Newman College, expressed the college’s sincere condolences in a letter to the parents.
“Unfortunately, one of the external instructors participating in the camp fell on the spot,” it said.
‘Immediately the emergency services were called and our students were led to another location by staff.
‘Unfortunately, we were informed shortly afterwards that the external instructor had passed away. On behalf of Newman College, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and loved ones.”
“Due to the distressing nature of this incident, our 11th grade students and teachers returned from the expedition late last night.”
Mr Silveira was an experienced outdoor instructor who led a field trip with a group of Year 11 students from Newman College
A heartbroken friend of the family has kickstarted a GoFundMe to raise much needed money for the family.
“As many of you know, Marcello Silveira sadly and tragically lost his life. Katie has lost her husband and the boys have lost their father,” it read.
“This gofundme page has been set up so that friends and family of Katie and Marcello can support Katie and the boys during this very difficult time and make sure they have the money to cover all their expenses.”
Police were called to the Brides Caves near the tourist town of Margaret River at about 3:20 pm on Thursday to support SES volunteers and paramedics after Silveira fell.
“A number of students and teachers had already abseiled to the bottom of the cave when the instructor fell,” police said in a statement.
He was given first aid until a paramedic from the RAC Rescue helicopter was lowered into the cave and took over caring for the patient.
He could not be brought back to life.
“Volunteers from the DFES State Emergency Service and the man’s colleagues were able to provide guidance and instructions to safely retrieve the deceased, students and teachers from the bottom of the cave.”