Tributes flow for hero father
A father of three will be ‘‘sorely missed’’ by his family after he drowned saving children at a beach southwest of Auckland.
Revell Douglas, along with his partner Lou and seven children had been at Karioitahi Beach on Wednesday.
The 46-year-old had been exercising his horses when some of the children got into trouble in the water, and Douglas, Lou and Douglas’ eldest son Lockie ran in to help them.
All others in the water made it back to shore but the Franklin dad sank beneath the waves.
He was pulled from the water but was unable to be revived.
His family told Sunday News he was a passionate horseman and had been in partnership with his father, Don Douglas, training several successful trotters.
‘‘Revell worked in the racing and equine industry most of his life, including time as racing manager of Alexandra Park and general manager of Pinjarra Trotting Club in Western Australia, where he and his family lived for 3 years.
‘‘More recently, Revell worked for Hygain & Mitavite Horse feeds as the New Zealand territory manager.’’
Douglas went to school at Waiuku College before graduating from Massey University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics and a diploma in marketing.
He was married to ex-wife Julia for 14 years and had three sons: 13-year-old Lockie, Hamish, 11, and Liam, 9.
Douglas’ family said he had keen interests in sports and had played rugby for Manawatu¯ and in the United Kingdom.
He has lived locally around Franklin and is survived by his sons, parents Laura and Don, and sister Paula. ‘‘He will be sorely missed by all,’’ the family said.
On social media, dozens of people have shared their condolences for Douglas.
Fellow Karaka Rugby Club members and parents of players paid tribute to Douglas, who coached one of the junior teams there.
‘‘Rev, a great dad, coach, club man, bloody nice guy and friend. To say you’ll be missed is an understatement,’’ one read.
Another said: ‘‘In absolute shock seeing this my heart hurts for you all. We do absolutely everything to protect our kids and that is exactly what you were doing Revell.’’
People from the equestrian community also shared their shock at the young dad’s death.
Surf Lifesaving New Zealand said the fatality occurred at a lifeguarded beach outside of patrol hours and would be referred to the Coroner.