A devastating incident occurred on Friday when a jet ski rider discovered a body floating off Tyrone Beach in Rye.
The victim has been identified as Christopher Onuorah, a Nigerian-born teacher who was passionate about helping his students.
A Life Cut Short
Onuorah was a maths and science teacher at Staughton College, where he made a lasting impact on his students’ lives.
His friends have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to send him back to Nigeria to be with his family and cover the cost of his burial.
The campaign was initiated by Emmanuel Ado, who fondly remembers Onuorah as a “kind-hearted” friend whose life was tragically cut short.
According to Ado, “Christopher was a beacon of light to all who knew him — 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.” Onuorah’s love, kindness, and positivity will always be remembered, and his friends hope to honor his memory by showing his family the same love and support he gave to so many.
A Passionate Educator
Onuorah’s LinkedIn profile reveals his passion for teaching and his commitment to helping his students grow.
He wrote, “I pride myself in approaching each child as a unique individual with specific learning needs, and I’m passionate about using my experience to actualise an all-round development of children.” His dedication to his students and his craft will be deeply missed.
Emergency Services Respond
Emergency services were called to the scene on Friday at around 5:30 pm after Onuorah was found in the water. Despite being given CPR, he sadly died at the scene.
The incident occurred on the same day as another tragic drowning accident involving an eight-year-old boy at a remote East Gippsland campsite.
A Busy Day for Life Saving Victoria
The day after Onuorah’s death, Life Saving Victoria recorded their busiest day in 20 years, with 145 rescues and 60 medical incidents reported. This highlights the importance of water safety and the need for vigilance when enjoying our beaches and waterways.
If you would like to support Onuorah’s family and help cover the cost of his burial, you can donate to the GoFundMe campaign set up by his friends. Your contribution will help honor the memory of this kind-hearted teacher and bring comfort to those who loved him.