Beau and Honor were swimming at Wappa Falls when tragedy struck
Two Australian teenagers, both just 17 years old, have sadly lost their lives in a tragic accident that unfolded at a popular waterfall swimming spot. The heartbreaking incident occurred when one of the teens fell into the water, prompting her friend to jump in after her in an attempt to save her.
The teens, identified as Honor Ward and Beau Liddell, had been visiting Wappa Falls in Yandina on Australia’s Sunshine Coast on January 19. According to Queensland Police, emergency services were called to the scene after reports that Honor had fallen into the water and failed to resurface. The call came in at around 2:30 pm local time.
It is believed that Honor had been swimming upstream when she got caught in the strong currents of the rapids. The force of the water swept her over the falls. Beau, who was with Honor at the time, did not hesitate to leap into the water to try to rescue her. Tragically, he also disappeared beneath the surface and failed to come back up.
Queensland Fire Department and Police divers launched a search and rescue operation shortly after the initial report, beginning their efforts at around 2:50 pm. Sadly, Honor’s body was recovered from the water approximately 40 minutes later, at 3:30 pm.
The search for Beau continued for hours after Honor’s body was found. It was not until four hours later that Beau’s body was discovered in the water. He, too, was unresponsive and pronounced deceased.
Beau Liddell was described as being ‘liked by everyone’
ABC
Both Honor and Beau had been students at Sunshine Beach State High School, where they were remembered fondly. The school expressed its sorrow, describing the loss as ‘heartbreaking’ for the entire community.
Beau’s father, Adam Liddell, shared his grief while speaking about his son’s character. He noted how Beau was loved by everyone who knew him. “Everyone’s just destroyed at the moment,” he told ABC News.
Adam reflected on his son’s brave and selfless nature, explaining that Beau’s decision to dive in and help Honor was a testament to who he was as a person. “He’d put himself in danger just to help someone,” he added, emphasizing Beau’s strong sense of care for others. Beau was one of four siblings, and his loss has left a significant void in his family.
Honor’s close friend, Phoebe Loynd-Andersson, also shared fond memories of her. She described Honor as someone who was always there for others, regardless of what challenges she might have been facing herself.
Honor got caught in the rapids at the falls
ABC
“As soon as I met her, she just immediately took me in, and I was just one with her and the group — we all just loved her,” Phoebe said. She added, “[She] just wanted to be there for other people and she would encourage people.”
Wappa Falls is known for its beauty, but it also comes with risks. Warning signs at the site caution visitors about ‘heavy currents, deep water, and submerged boulders.’ Adam has voiced concerns that additional safety measures should be put in place to prevent future tragedies like this one.
Sadly, Honor and Beau are not the first people to have lost their lives at Wappa Falls. According to reports from ABC, at least three other fatalities have occurred at the location since 2007.
In the wake of this devastating event, a GoFundMe page has been created to support Beau’s family with funeral expenses and to honor his memory.