Tragic twist in case of drowned schoolboy, 16, as it’s revealed he heroically JUMPED off the rocks to save his mate from going under
- Frantic search ended in tragedy for teenager swept from rocks at Browns Beach
- Police announced on Sunday the body of Ahmad Alfarhan had been recovered
- Said he, two other students and a teacher had gone in after student who fell in
- Student was the only swimmer in group of five who didn’t make it back to shore
- Adelaide community has raised nearly $30,000 for Ahmad’s heartbroken family
Ahmad Alfarhan’s body was found by police divers on Sunday morning after he was swept off rocks on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula on Saturday
A 16-year-old boy who drowned when he was swept off rocks had bravely jumped into the water to save another student who fell into the surf.
The body of Ahmad Alfarhan was found by police divers on Sunday morning after he was reported missing from Browns Beach on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula about 2pm on Saturday.
The teenager, from Paralowie in north Adelaide, had been visiting the popular scenic spot with a teacher and eight other students when one slipped while fishing and fell into the ocean.
The teacher, Ahmad and two other students jumped into the water to try and save the boy – with all but the 16-year-old then pulling themselves to safety.
Divers found Ahmad about 11.30am the next morning after launching a search by air and sea.
‘He went in to save his mate. We really see that as a heroic act, but unfortunately it was to his demise,’ Police Superintendent Mark Syrus said.
South Australian Police said Ahmad went in after a student who slipped into the water while fishing but failed to return on Saturday afternoon (pictured, emergency services at the scene)
‘It’s very tragic.’
Adelaide’s Pinnacle College paid tribute to a ‘loved and valued student’.
‘He was a young person full of life, energy and potential,’ executive principal Deniz Yildirim said.
‘His loss is an irreplaceable loss for his family, his friends, our college and the wider community. We thank all those who came to our aid and searched for him.’
The desperate search for the teenager had on Saturday first involved local fishermen, Sea Rescue, state emergency service, Country Fire Service and national park crews assisting police.
The search was called off around 7.45pm due to fading light, with police issuing a statement that said ‘grave concerns’ were held for Ahmad’s welfare.
Police continued the search at first light on Sunday morning with the help of specialist divers.
The 16-year-old’s body was found near where he was last seen on Sunday with the assistance of Police Water Operations Unit divers (pictured at the beach)
A GoFundMe page has raised nearly $30,000 for the Alfarhan family, which will be used to cover the costs of the teenager’s funeral.
Organiser Lena Allouche described Ahmad as ‘a beautiful year 11 student’ and said his family were ‘overwhelmed with the amount of support they have received’.
‘While the funeral has been covered as you all know the emotional, physical and mental health of all his family and friends will be strained for a significant amount of time, so all your donations will help to support them in need.’