HEARTBREAK AT SUNRISE
ANGUS Rotherham started the day like any other, swimming into “one of the most beautiful sunrises”. Friends and family are at a loss to explain how the 26-year-old was later found floating by jetskiers and tragically died.
A 26-YEAR-OLD man’s regular morning beach swim turned to tragedy, with paramedics unable to save him after he was pulled lifeless from the water in unexplained circumstances.
Angus Rotherham was farewelled by friends during a beach memorial on Monday night.
He had failed to regain consciousness after being found following a swim on Saturday morning at Tugun.
Friends gathered at Brunswick Heads beach at sunset on Monday to remember his “magical” life, sharing poems and performing music.
Angus’s father David Rotherham said he still had questions about his son’s death.
“(He began the day) in the way that he loves, checking in with his morning movement practice, then went out for a swim off Flat Rock at Tugun into one of the most beautiful sunrises ever,” Mr Rotherham posted to social media.
He said his son was found “floating lifeless” by jetskiers some time later and carried back to shore.
Paramedics rushed him to Gold Coast University Hospital, where he later died.
“Paramedics restarted his beautiful heart, but he has been unable to breathe for himself … we are advised that his brain remained without lifegiving oxygen for so long that he (would) not come back,” Mr Rotherham said.
Witnesses told the Bulletin ocean conditions had been flat that morning, and they were at a loss to understand how Mr Rotherham got into difficulties.
One of the people who went to his aid said it was “terrible” to learn later that he had died, but he was relieved Mr Rotherham’s body could be returned to his family.
Sister Katie Rotherham said she took comfort knowing her “dearest, sweet brother” was happy when he dived into the waves.
“We may never know the details of what happened, but we have found comfort knowing he passed doing something he loved – swimming in the ocean on a beautiful sunrise where we grew up,” she said.
“No words can describe the emptiness and pure heartbreak my beautiful parents, family and I are feeling, as well as all of his dear friends.”
Ms Rotherham said her brother was a registered organ donor, and his organs had “saved” six lives, including a baby.
Heartbroken friends took to social media to mourn the former Palm Beach Currumbin State High School student, who was remembered as a kind, creative soul and free spirit who “loved fully”.
“(You reminded) us of the playful child we each have inside of us,” Chani Ridley wrote to his Facebook page.
Sunjaya Bowen recalled his love of early morning yoga and Tai Chi, doing handstands on his balcony and swimming whenever he could.
Kate Leopold said Mr Rotherham had many talents, helping people with building and farming work.
Vick Storie wrote: “He lived in the bush for a year … he wrote songs … his life was extraordinary.”