In a heart-wrenching incident, a 15-year-old surfer, Khai Cowley, tragically lost his life after being fatally mauled by a suspected great white shark off Ethel Beach on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula. The devastating incident unfolded on Thursday, leaving the Cowley family devastated and the local community rallying behind them.

Khai's grandfather, Peter Barley, expressed the profound pain the family is enduring, stating, "So hurting...I've never seen people so hurt, honestly...it's something to behold." The Cowley family, known for their strong bond, is determined to support each other through this unimaginable loss. Despite the grief, Peter Barley shared that the outpouring of love and support from the beachside community is providing solace during this difficult time. He added, "[Khai] really did make the most of life, he didn't waste a second."

Remembered as a talented surfer with an innate ability to ride the waves, Khai often shared the exhilarating experience with his uncle, Adam Barley. Peter Barley reminisced about their close relationship, admitting that witnessing the connection between Adam and Khai sometimes brought him to tears.

The incident occurred while Khai was on the water with his father, Tim Cowley, who was present when the shark attacked. Witness Tim Philip initially recounted the terrifying scene, explaining, "I started moving down toward the beach and I could see the dad on the rocks sort of yelling and his son swimming towards him."

In the wake of this tragedy, Khai's aunt, Lauryn Barley, took the initiative to set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family in covering the funeral expenses. The community has shown overwhelming support, both emotionally and financially, uniting to assist the grieving family during this trying time.

The loss of Khai Cowley has shaken the tight-knit community and left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his loved ones. As they navigate the immense grief caused by this tragic incident, the Cowley family takes solace in the support and love of their community. The memory of Khai and his vibrant spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him, as the community comes together to honor his life and provide the support needed in this time of mourning.