A sad end to a shocking few days. I had no idea when I took this photo of the seaweed this morning what the ocean had washed onto the shore. Normally J and I enjoy our morning beach walks. We usually pick up rubbish or find treasures, like this little heart pebble (we found a day after the little dude dog when to heaven), the shells, and the Port Jackson shark egg.
But for the last few days our walks have been difficult.
A young man, a regular at Corindi van park and a passionate rock fisherman, went missing the other day. He didn’t return from his late night fishing excursion. There have been helicopters circling and family members walking up and down the beach, some just staring out to sea.
Last night J and I had to cut our beachcombing short after finding a t-shirt washed up in the seaweed (another lady found black track pants on the beach). We tried walking again this morning, and as much as I told myself it was okay, I had a very strange feeling wash over me. I told J I didn’t want to walk any further because I wasn’t enjoying the walk. All we were doing was scanning the sand for I don’t know what. So we turned off the beach rather than walking to our usual turn around spot – at the rocky point.
We were both shocked and saddened when, at lunchtime, the 26 year old’s brother discovered a body in the weed — at the rocky point — and I think it’s right that it was family.
Corindi beach is such a small, tight-knit community, and having stayed here for many months in our caravan, we feel very much apart of the place. It’s so hard to believe that something as beautiful as the beach and all the treasures it washes up can be so deadly.
The the beach will continue to give and take, but I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to walk it the same way again.
Michael leaves behind a distraught fiancée and family and our thoughts are with them.
A beautiful post Jenn, and I am sure the young man’s loved ones would be grateful for your words.
I love the beach, and can’t even begin to imagine how it must feel to have something so tragic happen so close.
Thoughts are with everyone at this terrible time.
xx
Oh how heartbreaking Jenn. Thinking of you and J xxx
Condolences to the family and friends, and community, what a tragedy and so young, its hard when you read of those who are just starting their journey are taken too soon, and yes we all know how no one knows what is around the corner, as you say. give your loved ones a cuddle and let them know they are loved as we never know what is around the next corner. I guess knowing he was doing something he loved is of little comfort but I hope you remember the good times, rather than dwell on the last time he was on the beach <3 Kat
Jenn and J I’m so sorry to read this. My heart goes out to Michael’s family and friends. Take care of each other. Sally xx
So sad. I have been thinking of the family.
A very sad situation, Jenn. Intuition is a very strange thing….
Hello Jenn, and your partner (whose name I did not catch), I was impressed with this short story about natures beauty and fury, and my heart was with you when reading of those things you found on the shore, joy and sadness together. I had not realised Michael’s body had been found and I’m so happy about that, and so grieved that he was not found alive. My heart gave a lurch when I read he had been washed from the rocks, and kept praying he’d be rescued somehow – but not this way. Thank you for sharing this warm little story with us and I hope you will be able to walk the sand together again without feeling trauma, for it is really there for us to relieve the stress life and listen to the wonder of the sea. Take care and thanks again for your lovely words.
That’s beautifully said, Robert. Thank you. I love that.
Dear J&J, Hugs, beautiful, beautiful blog and photos, poignant cameo of life and loss, and sadness and reality. The beach will heal as well, especially at sunrise, hope you are sitting there soon to share its timeless wisdom. Our sympathy to all xx Fi and Ian
So very sad and I know all too well how you’re feeling… My thoughts are with his family. The ocean is an unforgiving master… xxx
So sorry to hear this Jenn. For your little buddy, to find that beautiful heart shaped stone, is a gift from him. My thoughts are with Michaels family at such a sad time. A small community will support each other with love. Thinking of you all xx
Oh, how very sad. We had the privilege of staying at the Corindi Beach Caravan Park in February this year. Condolences to his Fiancé, family and the community. Thank you for the post Jen. ⭐️
Hi Lindy. It is still as beautiful, just a bit sadder.
How tragic for everyone, and no wonder you’re finding it hard. Thinking of the young man and his family, and of you, too, Jenn and J. x
That is so sad :(.
That’s so sad. I have had family members (distant, but close to people I cared for) taken by the sea. I’m glad, in a way, that at least they found his body. It’s horrible, but at least they know what happened and can grieve him properly and say goodbye. Such a sad end to your walks on the beach.
Heartbreaking stuff – and surreal. Best to you, Jenn – and Michael’s family and friends.
A very sad story Jenn. Devastating for the family and the community. An experience like this stays with you for life. Thinking of you.