Tragedy as international student Katherine Sandoval dies after being swept off rocks – death comes just months after her brother was killed

An international student has died after being swept off the rocks at a popular Australian surf spot. Her death tragically came just four months after her brother was also killed.

Colombian student Katherine Sandoval and three friends were knocked over by a wave around noon on Sunday when they hit rocks near Cronulla, in southern Sydney.

Mrs. Sandoval’s friends were able to stay on the rocks, but she was dragged out to sea as the wave receded.

Her pastor Ezequiel Medina said there was no chance for her to save herself.

Mrs. Sandoval’s friends were able to stay on the rocks, but she was tragically dragged into the water by the retreating wave

The wave came out of nowhere and swept her away. She was a good swimmer, but she hit her head on the way down and she couldn’t get up,” he said.

“It’s such a tragedy that so many people loved her and everyone has a story to tell about her, even though she’s only been in the country for a few months.”

A recreational boat in the Bate Bay area alerted the Marine Area Command to the incident, reporting that a woman was in the water, unconscious and not breathing. She was later pronounced dead by NSW paramedics.

Ms. Sandoval came to Australia from her hometown of Bogota, Colombia, in February to study English.

It is the latest tragedy for her family after her brother died in a car accident in April.

“I called them on Sunday evening and told them the news which is just terrible,” Medina said.

“Her brother had just died in a car accident, so it’s another terrible blow to them.”

A recreational boat in the Bate Bay area alerted the Marine Area Command to the incident and reported that a woman was unconscious and not breathing. She was later pronounced dead by NSW paramedics

Katherine was also a member of the Spanish church Iglesia Su Presencia in Auburn, where she became a leader despite only recently moving to the country.

“She went through a difficult situation with her brother, but she always had a smile on her face and would cheer everyone up,” said Mr. Medina.

“Katherine became a valuable member of the church and everyone she spoke to touched them, everyone is so sad about her passing because even though she was only here a short time everyone has encouraged a story of how she impacted them and inspired.’

Tributes on the church’s page after learning of her passing spoke of her wit and contagious smile.

Her pastor Ezequiel Medina told Daily Mail Australia that Katherine (pictured) “always had a smile on her face and would cheer anyone up”

“Good, we’re going to miss you and I’m sure you’re making God laugh with your witticism,” one person wrote.

‘Noooo my love my friend my sister my everything! said another.

“Rest Nephew, you leave a very big void in your family,” a third wrote.

Another added: “There are no words for this difficult moment, I ask my God to give you and your family much strength, a huge hug.”

a GoFundMe A campaign has been launched to pay for her repatriation to Colombia and her funeral.

“There are expenses we have to pay to repatriate her body which is about $12,000 and the rest will be sent to the family to help with the costs of her funeral,” Mr Medina said.

The fundraiser has raised over $16,000 to date.