Tragedy as 21-year-old drowns at popular Aussie beach – as heartbroken cousin pays tribute to the ‘glue’ of their family
A family has been left heartbroken after a 21-year-old tragically drowned during a day out at the beach.
Denis Kiprono was swimming at Werri Beach, on NSW’s south coast, on March 15 when he became stuck in dangerous waters.
His body was pulled to shore, but despite the efforts of first responders, he couldn’t be saved.
His cousin Robert Kipkemboi said he was devastated to hear the news, adding Mr Kiprono was a strong swimmer.
‘He was a young man who lived with a great sense of adventure and confidence,’ Mr Kipkemboi told the Daily Mail.
‘The accident was shocking to those who knew his capabilities in the water.’
Mr Kipkemboi said his cousin, whose ambition was to become an IT guru and who studied at the Australia Institute of Business and Technology (AIBT), meant the world to his family and would be remembered for his infectious personality.
‘He was the kind of person who naturally drew people towards him,’ he said.
Denis Kiprono was swimming at Werri Beach, on NSW’s south coast, on March 15 when he became stuck in dangerous waters
‘He was very important to his family and was the person expected to bring his separated parents together.
‘He had a deep sense of compassion, was diplomatic and served as the emotional glue for his family.’
Apart from being a dedicated student, Mr Kipkemboi said his cousin was a fantastic football player and was admired for his relentless effort on the field.
‘In his professional life he wanted to become really skilled and take on leadership roles in the digital sector, but on the sporting field, he was recognised as the best goalkeeper who gave his all in every match,’ he said.
‘He would likely want to be remembered as a mentor and an inspiration to many especially his peers.
‘His legacy is one of total commitment, whether to his team, his studies, or the well-being of his family.’
AIBT also paid tribute to the Kenyan-born student.
‘It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic passing of our AIBT student, Denis Kiprono,’ the college said.
Denis meant the world to his family and will be remembered for his infectious personality
‘He will be remembered for his presence, his aspirations, and the journey he had begun here with us.
‘His passing has deeply affected fellow students, staff, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.’
A GoFundMe has since been set up to help cover funeral costs and repatriate Mr Kiprono’s body back to his family in Kenya.
‘To honour his memory, there is a collective effort to raise as much as we can to help return his body to Kenya, cover funeral expenses, and support his loved ones,’ the fundraiser, set up by his cousin, read.
‘The funds will assist his mother in educating his siblings, which is urgent because his siblings were already benefiting from the little he earned during his part-time jobs.’
A total of $1,400 has been donated at time of publication, with AIBT contributing $1,000.
