The Gold Coast community mourns the loss of 18-year-old Manaia Tither-Asiata, who died after falling from a makeshift rope swing into the Coomera River. The accident occurred on a Sunday evening when he fell approximately 15 meters down an embankment. Emergency responders attempted to revive him but unfortunately declared him dead at the scene. Tither-Asiata was remembered as a promising musician and a compassionate individual, having graduated from the Southport school just weeks prior. In his graduation speech, he expressed how much he had grown during his time at the school, emphasizing his commitment to helping others.

Following the incident, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate highlighted the need for safety measures at the known hazardous location, stating that the rope swing must be removed. Authorities are treating the incident as a non-suspicious accident, with a report being prepared for the coroner. The community reflects on the tragic loss and the importance of safety in recreational areas.