Teen Surfer Killed in Shark Attack Honored by Community Crowdfunding
On December 28th, tragedy struck in South Australia as a shark attack killed teenage up-and-coming surfer, Khai Cowley.
The 15-year-old was mauled by a 4m (13 foot) great white shark, some 30 to 40m offshore, at a South Australia surf spot. His body was recovered on the beach.
Since then, the community has rallied by crowdfunding for funeral services.
Per the GoFundMe page, which was organized by Khai’s aunt, Lauryn, 1,500 people have donated and the goal of $7,500 AUD has been far surpassed.
As of publish time, the total funds are over $85,000 AUD.
In the description for the page, Khai’s family wrote:
“Hi my name is Lauryn, Aunty to our beloved Khai, who was suddenly taken from us by a white pointer while surfing at Ethel Wreck off the coast of Yorke Penisula. I’m here to try help raise funds for my sister, Kate and brother, Tim to cover the cost of the funeral service. Any donations will be most appreciated.”
Non-monetary remembrances have poured in, too, following the tragedy.
A statement from Surfing South Australia reads:
“After the devastating news that one of our Grom surfers, Khai, was involved in a fatal incident at Ethel Beach on December 28th we have been keeping Khai’s family and friends in our thoughts.
“Khai was very involved in our surfing community with his passion for surfing stemming from a family with deep surfing roots in SA. He was a happy, kind and respectful kid, very much loved by his surfing peers and he will be greatly missed out in our community and on the water.”
Rest in peace, Khai.
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