Kamenieli Varo, a father of five, has reportedly drowned in the Murrumbidgee River in New South Wales, marking a tragic loss for his family and community. The 32-year-old went missing on Sunday, November 3, prompting a response from NSW Police around 5:15 PM, who were alerted to the situation as he was believed to be in distress while swimming with friends.
Emergency services, including the Murrumbidgee Police District, NSW Ambulance, SES, and the Volunteer Rescue Association, conducted a thorough search at Middle Beach, Yanco. Unfortunately, the search was called off around 8 PM due to falling darkness and treacherous river conditions. Efforts resumed the following day, but Varo’s body has not yet been recovered.
Preliminary reports suggest that Varo was swept under by the river’s strong current, despite attempts by his friends to rescue him. He had moved to Australia in 2022 under the National Employment Centre (NEC) Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme for a four-year contract, which he was set to complete next year. His wife, Mere Dawai, expressed her heartbreak, recalling their last conversation where Varo shared his excitement about an upcoming picnic and his plans to surprise his family for Christmas.
Dawai described her husband as a caring and kind-hearted individual who had dreams of building a home for their family upon completing his contract. The loss is profoundly felt by his wife and four children, who are still in primary school. This tragedy highlights the dangers of outdoor activities and the unpredictable nature of waterways.
While this incident is sorrowful and profoundly impacts Varo’s family, it serves as a reminder for families to stay connected and cherish every moment together. In times of loss, the enduring love and bonds of family can provide some solace and support.
This heartbreaking situation also emphasizes the importance of safety awareness in aquatic environments, as such tragedies can often serve as critical wake-up calls for communities to promote water safety awareness.
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