Touching tribute after tragic drowning
Jonny Young loved basketball, eccentric hobbies and above all his fiancée, Hsu. Photo: GoFundMe / James Chen
An Australian who drowned in Lake Wakatipu at Glenorchy has been remembered as a "dependable friend" who dedicated his life to helping others.
Physiotherapist Jonny Young, of New South Wales, died on Thursday, 19 January, while attempting to rescue a young boy in trouble in the water, at the mouth of the Rees River.
It was the second drowning in near identical circumstances in the space of six days.
Friend James Chen has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help his family, which has raised nearly $6000.
"It may seem like a cliché to say that Jonny was a nice guy, but if he wasn’t that, he wouldn’t have risked and lost his life this way," Chen writes.
"Jonny was a dependable friend who always made the time to be available to others. Even in his professional life as a Physiotherapist he was dedicated to helping others.
"He had a carefree nature indulging in many eccentric hobbies such as unicycling, origami, wing chun, making balloon animals, foldable gadgets, and an undeniable love for basketball.
"Beyond this, he was famous for his eternal love for his fiancée, Hsu."
Young was holidaying in New Zealand with Hsu when he lost his life. Chen says donations made to the GoFundMe appeal will be sent to his family to assist in covering any associated costs.
"During this time our thoughts are with Hsu, his parents, brothers and the rest of his family."
The young boy who Young was trying to save was rescued.
The Friday before, Leroy Kaaho, 48, died near the same spot. Kaaho, also known as Linkin Kisling, was trying to save his 10-year-old son, who was eventually rescued by a member of the public.
Both deaths have been referred to the coroner. It is likely both men were pulled under by the current at a steep drop off, where water flows into the lake from the river.
Queenstown Lakes District Council has put up signs warning of the dangers and is working with other agencies to consider whether more safety equipment should be installed at the foreshore, such as life rings and flotation devices.
