Tragedy Strikes Tamworth: Teenage Refugee Drowns in Peel River Just Weeks After Arriving in Australia
- A 15-year-old refugee from Myanmar drowned in Tamworth’s Peel River on Tuesday morning, just six weeks after arriving in Australia.
- The teenager was trying to retrieve a kayak when he struggled to swim in the deep and strong current.
- His family, who were with him at the time, reported him missing, prompting a frantic search by emergency services.
- The boy’s body was found at 8:30 am on Tuesday, leaving his family and community in shock.
A heartbreaking tragedy has unfolded in Tamworth, where a 15-year-old refugee from Myanmar drowned in the Peel River on Tuesday morning. The teenager, who had only been in Australia for six weeks, was cooling off with his family near Paradise Bridge when disaster struck.
According to police, the boy tried to retrieve a kayak that had floated into the middle of the river but experienced difficulty swimming in the deep and strong current. Despite his family’s desperate attempts to save him, he failed to resurface, and his family reported him missing at 7:30 pm on Monday.
A frantic search was launched, with emergency services scouring the river and surrounding areas. Tragically, the boy’s body was found at 8:30 am on Tuesday, leaving his family and community in shock.
“It was very heart-rending,” said a local Australian woman supporting the boy’s family. “Their lives have been hard, and this is a tragedy beyond comprehension.”
The boy’s family had only just started to settle in the Tamworth area, and his death has sent shockwaves through the community. Police have reminded the public to be vigilant around waterways, especially as temperatures rise and more people head to rivers and beaches to cool off.
“This incident is a timely reminder to be careful around waterways,” said a police spokesperson. “We urge everyone to take necessary precautions and be aware of their surroundings.”
The boy’s death has also highlighted the challenges faced by refugees in Australia, who often struggle to adjust to their new surroundings. The community has rallied around the family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time.
As the investigation into the boy’s death continues, the community is left to grapple with the devastating consequences of this tragedy. The boy’s family and friends will never forget the bright young life that was lost too soon.