The devastated family of an 18-year-old man who fell to his death from Centrepoint Tower are desperate to understand what made him take that fatal step.
Leonard Nherera, 18, from Moorebank in Sydney’s south-west died on Sunday night after falling 286 metres from the city’s tallest building during the popular Skywalk attraction.
The popular teenager finished school at Moorebank High School last year and was a much-loved member of the Forward in Faith Ministries International church in Minto.
Leonard Nherera, 18, from Moorebank in Sydney’s south-west died on Sunday night after falling 286 metres from the city’s tallest building
A post from the boy’s devastated sister, who lives in Western Australia
‘Just woke up to find one of the funniest caring blokes have gone to heaven,’ one friend said
On Tuesday Nherera’s family, who came to Australia from Zimbabwe, said they were still processing his death.
His sister, who lives in Western Australia, was the first person to post on the teenager’s timeline.
‘Are you really gone? Baby brother please why? The number of tears l shed are more than a river but they cannot bring you back.
‘I hope you know that I loved you, will always love you and you will be missed,’ she wrote.
Initial police inquiries suggest the incident was self-harm.
The teenager is the second young person to die after falling from the building this year – the first was a 22-year-old woman from South Sydney.
The woman fell after removing her harness – prompting the tower’s management to make changes to the harnesses used.
Those changes, including the introduction of a new full-body harness, were unable to prevent the 18-year-old man from leaping to his death.
His friends expressed their shock at the loss of the ‘funny, caring’ teenager.
‘Just woke up to find one of the funniest caring blokes have gone to heaven,’ one friend said.
‘Bro hurts that your gone… you loved your music I remember showing you Redbone you loved it ! I saw you on the bus the other week we chatted and chatted as if I see you everyday. You always had my back man in everything I will never forget that,’ wrote another.
Others wished they had kept in contact with him after school.
‘I wish I talked to you or messaged you more than I did,’ one friend said.
Sydney Tower Eye said they conducted a comprehensive safety review which led to significant changes after a woman, 22, jumped from the building on March 8 (pictured is Sydney Tower)
‘I wish that you spoke to me or someone. Praying for your family and friends.
‘I am so lost for words right now. You were one of my best friends and I’m so sad that we drifted apart,’ said another who revealed the teen had ‘protected her from bullies’.
Skywalk has been closed indefinitely, but the fatal incidents have sparked calls for the tourist attraction to be shut down completely.
In a statement on Monday, Divisional Director Rob Smith described the teenager’s death as distressing, but said the company operates to the highest safety standards.
‘Following the incident on Thursday 8th March, Sydney Tower Eye undertook a full and comprehensive review of its safety measures which has led to a number of changes aimed to prevent such incidents,’ Mr Smith said.
The company behind Sydney’s Skywalk (pictured) made major changes after a woman plunged to her death in March, only for a teenager to take his life the same way months later
‘These include the introduction of a full body harness developed in consultation with third party safety experts that goes well beyond industry and Working at Heights standards with strict controls to avoid removal outside of deliberate and significant intention.
‘Additionally, significant modifications to the harness equipment, safety attachments and clothing, as well as guest briefing protocols designed to actively deter tampering have been introduced.
‘These were developed in consultation with third party safety and security experts and go well beyond global industry requirements.’
Despite the significant changes made by Sydney Tower Eye, there were calls to shutter the attraction in the aftermath of the 18-year-old’s death.
Lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14.
Despite the significant changes made by Sydney Tower Eye, there were calls to shutter the attraction in the aftermath of the 18-year-old’s death (pictured are police at the scene)