High school teacher drowns at Rye Beach as his family are left with heartbreaking task
A man who drowned on a Victorian beach has been identified as ‘kind-hearted’ secondary school teacher Christopher Onuorah.
Mr Onuorah, who was born in Nigeria, was found floating by a jet ski rider at Rye Beach on the Mornington Peninsula, 100km south of Melbourne’s CBD, last Friday.
His Australia-based friends have set up a fund to raise enough money to send his remains back to Nigeria to his family and help them cover the costs of his funeral.
Emmanuel Ado, who is the GoFundMewrote that “Christopher was a beacon of light to all who knew him.”
“(He was) kind-hearted, full of life and deeply loved by his family and friends. His untimely passing has left a void in the lives of those who cherished him.”
Mr Ado added that “Christopher’s life, although tragically cut short, will always be remembered for the love, kindness and positivity he brought to those around him.
“Let us honor his memory by showing his family the same love and support he gave to so many.”
Mr Onuorah taught maths and science at Staughton College, in the Melbourne suburb of Melton South.
A man who drowned on a Victorian beach has been identified as ‘kind-hearted’ high school teacher Christopher Onuorah (pictured)
He wrote on his LinkedIn profile: ‘I pride myself on approaching each child as a unique individual with specific learning needs.’
‘I like to use my experience to achieve an all-round development of children.’
Emergency services were called to Tyrone Beach in Rye at around 5.30pm on January 3 after Mr Onuorah was found in the water.
He was given CPR when brought to shore but could not be revived.
An 8-year-old boy drowned in a river near a remote campsite in East Gippsland on the same day.
Mr. Ado said he and other friends are raising money to help Mr. Onuorah’s “grieving family during this incredibly difficult time.”
All money raised will be used to pay for flight and legal costs to repatriate Mr Onuorah home to Nigeria.
It would also help “cover funeral and memorial costs so that Christopher gets the send-off he deserves,” and create a tribute to celebrate his life and legacy.