Family of Billy Slater’s brother-in-law break their silence after tragic death while saving his nine-year-old daughter’s life
- Ryan Craig’s family has broken their silence
- Billy Slater’s brother-in-law died in a tragic accident
- The family have paid tribute to the father of four
The family of a hero father who died saving his daughter from drowning have paid tribute to him following his tragic death.
Father-of-four Ryan Craig, husband of NRL legend Billy Slater’s sister Sheena, died at Kinchant Dam near Mackay on Saturday when the boat he and his family were on broke down and he went into the water some time later to save his daughter . 11am.
The nine-year-old was later recovered safely from the dam, but Craig’s body was not found until Monday morning.
On Thursday, the family released a joint statement honoring the beloved father, who was 40 years old.
“You don’t realize how loved someone is, whether people knew them or not, the support has been amazing. That is also a reflection on him,” they said.
The family of a hero father who died saving his daughter have paid tribute to him
Ryan Craig died Saturday after saving his daughter from drowning
“He let us protect his family, that’s a real trait of who he was.”
Ryan’s sister, Lauren, described him as her “best friend.”
“He was a protector, he was loved dearly, he gave the best hugs, his hugs were strong and meaningful,” the family said.
“He loved his friends, he was fun, he had the best sense of humor, he was very quick-witted.
‘His girls and Sheena were also his absolute priority, he was very dedicated and a real hands-on father. He was affectionate, he liked to do fun things with them.’
The 40-year-old loved music and motorcycles, and worked as a DJ with his best friend Trent.
“He liked fast things, he learned to ride motorcycles around the farm at a young age and broke several bones on motorcycles,” the family added.
“He had a Holden ute, then he had another Holden ute, then he had his club sports, he loved his toys and playing and crafting with them.
“He was a motorcycle guy. His car is now in the garage and the hood is open.
“When his car pulled into the driveway, the girl’s car got that excitement, and that’s probably the biggest reflection of what that meant to the girls.”
The 40-year-old was married to Billy Slater’s sister, Sheena
Slater is believed to be heartbroken by the devastating news
His funeral will take place on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 1:00 PM at New Life Church, 75 Evans Avenue, North Mackay.
Slater’s close friend Cameron Smith revealed he was on the other end of a heartbreaking phone call with the Storm legend after the tragic news.
“I called Billy and talked to him and he just said, ‘Look, it’s an absolutely tragic situation, considering the situation,’” he said.
‘It is a place where they spend a lot of time with the growing children. They have four children. They have four little girls.
‘They were on the water and just a sequence of events led to Ryan and his eldest daughter falling into the water and unfortunately a bit of weather came up and blew the boat away from where they had fallen into the water and the boat couldn’t be started.
‘It was actually a heroic effort by Ryan to keep sailing as a float for as long as he did to save his daughter.
‘Eventually he had no energy left. A little while later some jet skiers came by and I don’t know how – it’s just a miracle – the little girl was still floating.”