Police have confirmed that the body of a 45-year-old Buderim man was found in Lake Somerset on Tuesday afternoon, August 27, 2024. The discovery comes after an extensive search operation that began on Monday when the man, who was paddleboarding, failed to resurface.
Emergency services were initially called to Kirkleagh Road at Lake Somerset just after 12:30 PM on Monday, August 26. The search effort involved Water Police, divers, SES crews, two Fire Department teams, and Queensland Ambulance Service personnel. After being suspended at sundown on Monday, the search resumed at 8 AM Tuesday.
Eyewitness Timmy Jarvis, who was camping at the NRMA Somerset Holiday park with his family, recounted the scene on Monday. “We were packing up to come home when an old lady told us they were searching for someone,” Jarvis said. He added that police informed him they were looking for a person who had fallen off a paddleboard.
Local authorities have stated that the death is being treated as non-suspicious, and a report of the found body in Lake Somerset will be prepared for the Coroner.
As the investigation continues, local officials urge visitors to lakes and waterways to exercise caution and always wear appropriate safety gear when engaging in water activities.
Published 27-August-2024