‘ Thomas was taken far too soon’

NEW South Welshman Tom Davy, one of two men who died after a stabbing in Alva Beach, has been described as a man full of laughter and “constant adventure”.

The 27- year- old Tea Gardens man was found bleeding to death in Topton St just after midnight on Monday.

He, along with Alva Beach father- of- three Corey Christensen, 37, could not be revived at the scene by emergency services.

Nicole Pereira, one of Tom’s best mates from childhood, said she was “absolutely devastated” to hear of his death.

“Growing up with Thomas was a constant adventure, many memories of quad biking, heading out in the tinnie fishing and camping, jet skiing and countless laughs on the bus to and from school,” she said.

“Thomas ( was) taken tragically and far too soon.”

Ms Pereira said Tom would never be forgotten, telling her mate to “keep smiling”.

An avid fisherman, Tom also played rugby union in Tea Gardens, winning a premiership in the Lower Mid North Coast league with his team in 2012.

Friend James Turner said he had been reminded in the last two weeks of fishing trips the pair had been on. “Cannot believe it,” he said. “Rest in peace mate.” It comes as Corey’s longtime employer Sun Metals paid tribute to their “popular” friend and colleague.

“Corey was a very popular member of our team; our thoughts, prayers and support go to his family at this very difficult time,” a spokesman said.

Burdekin MP Dale Last said he was confident the small tight- knit community would pull through.

“Incidents like these tear at the heart of small communities like ours,” he said.

“Right now there are families and friends who have lost loved ones and they need our support. We should also keep in mind our emergency services workers and members of the public that have been through this harrowing experience. Unfortunately, this community has had to support victims of horrible incidents in the past and I know that we will do it again because we are a caring, close- knit community.”