Man killed in waterskiing tragedy on NSW’s Hawkesbury River a champion skier and ‘top bloke’

A young man who died in a waterskiing incident on the NSW Hawkesbury River has been remembered as a talented athlete who was “bigger than life itself”.

Jack Coaldrake, 25, was waterskiing on the river at Lower Portland, about 80km northwest of Sydney, when tragedy struck about 7.25am on Sunday.

Emergency services were called to a boat ramp after Coaldrake hit the water at speed while being pulled by a boat.

He was brought to the shore and treated by paramedics, but died at the scene.

Friends, family and members of the waterskiing community have paid tribute to Coaldrake as a “champion skier and top bloke”.

His father Dave Coaldrake said the family was “broken beyond belief” by the tragedy.

“Jack, as all of you know, was bigger than life itself and I don’t think the hole left can ever be filled, but as family and friends, please try and remember the great things that Jack was,” he said in a post, thanking everyone for the outpouring of support.

“We have some very hard days ahead as a family and his great friends in Australia and abroad.

“He packed so much into 25 years, more than most do in a lifetime.

“We know wherever he is, he would be straight onboard making it a better place.

“The world was made a better place by him being in it.”

The World Waterski Racing Council described Coaldrake as a “deeply valued” member of the waterskiing community and a “dedicated mentor”.

“His contributions extended beyond the water, with his work in the media where he showcased the best of what our community represents,” it said.

“Our thoughts are with Jack’s family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched.

“He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all that he knew.”

Investigations are ongoing, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.