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Family of 8yo found at Fernhook Falls, WA say he was much loved

Catie McLeodNCA NewsWire
Police divers recovered Sol’s body last week. NCA NewsWire / Scott Powick
Camera IconPolice divers recovered Sol’s body last week. NCA NewsWire / Scott Powick Credit: News Corp Australia

Heartbroken relatives say the young boy whose body was recovered by police divers in Western Australia last week was much loved.

Eight-year-old Sol, who police have referred to by his first name, was last heard calling for help at Fernhook Falls, near Walpole, in southwest WA.

Police found his body on Friday, five days after he vanished and is believed to have fallen out of his kayak into fast flowing, deep water while he was on a family camping trip.

His family on Wednesday evening released a statement thanking everyone who assisted in the search.

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“Sol was much loved by his parents, his brothers, and his community,” they said.

“Our deepest thanks go to the Police, Emergency Services, Community Volunteers, and Civilian Contractors.

“We acknowledge the many individuals who gave everything in extreme conditions to recover our boy.

“We would also like to thank our friends and family for their comfort and support. We now ask that you respect our privacy”

Sol was found by police divers near Walpole. Picture: Supplied
Camera IconSol was found by police divers near Walpole. Supplied Credit: Supplied

Great Southern District Superintendent Kim Travers said Sol’s body was recovered safely after a complex operation.

“The recovery would not have been possible without the mutual trust and respect of the family who have remained on site throughout this recovery operation,” she said on Friday.

“The collaboration between Police, Department of Fire and Emergency Service, State Emergency Service, St John Ambulance, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and Fugro who provided the technical expertise and specialist underwater equipment, made this recovery possible.”

Supt Travers said the “heartbreaking” incident would be the subject of a report to the Coroner.

 

Originally published as Family of 8yo found at Fernhook Falls, WA say he was much loved

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