A young free diver who drowned has been remembered as an ‘extraordinary soul’.
Sam Hamilton, 21, died on Sunday afternoon after trying to freedive in waters off the coast of Dawesville, about 90km south of Perth.
The physiotherapy student was kayaking with his partner when he went into the depths.
But he floated back to the surface, semi-conscious, and moments later stopped breathing.
Sam Hamilton (pictured), 21, died on Sunday afternoon after attempting to freedive in waters off the coast of Dawesville, about 90km south of Perth
The physiotherapy student was kayaking with his partner when he went into the depths
His partner tried to revive him and at the same time activated an emergency positioning radio beacon, a distress call that attracted a rescue boat. reported.
He was given first aid in the boat and a paramedic was then lowered into the vessel by an RAC Rescue helicopter.
But he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
His friends and family remembered him as a young man who brought joy to the lives of others.
Hamilton’s uncle Jono Faulkner said he loved his cousin as a “son and best friend.”
“We shared a love of the ocean and you went off to do something you loved,” Faulkner wrote on social media.
‘I loved your passion for life. I loved your deep thoughts. I loved being on the boat and in the water with you.”
He added: “I loved your smile. I loved your smile. I loved your great insights into life at such a young age.
His friends and family remembered him as a young man who brought joy to the lives of others
“I loved the way you hugged and it always felt like you meant it. I loved how you embraced every moment. I’ve loved watching you grow into a wonderful man.’
Friend and cousin Molly Smith said her “heart is heavy with grief and longs for your presence.”
“It is difficult to accept that you are no longer here with us, but I find comfort in knowing that your spirit will live on in our hearts forever,” Mrs. Smith wrote on social media.
‘You were an extraordinary soul who brought enormous happiness and love into our lives.’
Another family member said there was a “big Sam-shaped hole” in all of our lives.
‘You left us way too soon, but we really loved the way you lived life! Full of love, passion and the most amazing laugh,” they wrote.
The police will prepare a report for the coroner.