The family of a teenage girl who died in an Australia Day boating accident have spoken out about the tragedy, revealing she was wearing a life jacket.
Darcy Davey-Sutherland, 16, was thrown into the water near the Grays Point boat ramp, 30 kilometers south of Sydney, when two cans driven by 16-year-olds collided about 10.15am on Friday.
Witnesses reported she floated face down for about five minutes before being brought to shore and rushed to St George Hospital, where she later died.
Her father, Michael said in a statement 9News: ‘It is impossible to understand life without… a beautiful soul, so full of life and love.
“Words cannot describe the pain we feel right now.”
The family of 16-year-old Darcy Davey-Sutherland (pictured) have broken their silence after she died in a boating accident on Australia Day
Ms Davey-Sutherland (pictured in her latest TikTok video) appeared to be wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident
Mr Davey-Sutherland said his daughter was “the beacon of light” for her family because she was the eldest of three siblings.
“She was about to embark on the most special part of life when she became an adult,” Davey-Sutherland said.
At the end of the 9News Sydney report, host Peter Overton noted that the teenager was wearing a life jacket at the time of the crash.
Other friends and family have paid tribute to Ms Davey-Sutherland with her most recent TikTok video and a GoFundMe that has raised more than $41,000.
“God bless you sis,” someone wrote on her most recent video.
“Rest in peace beautiful girl, you will be missed by all who knew you,” a second commented.
“Forever in my heart, the best cousin in the world,” shared a third.
She spent about five minutes face down underwater on Friday morning after two tinnies collided near the Grays Point boat ramp, 30 kilometers south of Sydney.
Despite onlookers desperately performing CPR, the teenager later died at St George Hospital (pictured, distressed bystanders on scene)
Meanwhile, a Grays Point Facebook page said “the entire community is shocked by the tragedy” while sharing a link to the fundraiser.
“We know everyone is feeling a little helpless and don’t know what to say to those affected – here’s a way to contribute to the beautiful Darcy’s family to show your support,” the creator of the GoFundMe wrote.
‘We have received numerous requests about how we can help and we are creating this page to help the family with the necessary arrangements.
“Thank you for your love and support and coming to assist the family during this difficult time.”
Donors left messages of support for the Sutherland family.
“I am heartbroken that this beautiful girl is gone too soon,” one person wrote.
“I pray that your family may find the strength to live with their forever broken hearts and keep your memory alive. Rest beautiful girl.’
The GoFundMe link was also shared by the Miranda Magpies FC football club.
“Yesterday’s tragedy on the water has affected our Magpies family,” the message read.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the Sutherland family at this very difficult time.”
Distraught witnesses could be seen hugging and comforting each other as paramedics worked to revive Ms Sutherland on Friday.
The two 16-year-old boys driving the two ships were taken to St George Hospital for mandatory tests.
The boats have been seized for investigation and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.