Stormy skies provided a solemn backdrop over Beachport early on Sunday morning as the community gathered to farewell one of its own.
More than 130 people lined the Beachport Jetty, while another 30 surfers took to the water for a paddle out to pay tribute to teenager Will Fry, who died on August 31 in Adelaide.
Will, 17, died unexpectedly at his Pembroke School boys’ boarding house, leaving behind his parents Rachel and Nathan and younger sister Rose.
The talented soccer player and keen surf lifesaver grew up in Beachport before moving to Adelaide.
Beachport Surf Life Saving Club president Peter Phillips organised the paddle out to help the community to remember Will, who was a member of the club.
Mr Phillips said plenty of tears were shed after the paddle out, which included a minute’s silence to remember their club member.
“It meant for me personally really the opportunity to finally release a lot of emotion that I have been holding together, I needed this myself, I know a lot of people in the community needed it too,” he said.
“We held this to allow people to grieve … I just thought Will’s connection to Beachport and the water made it so natural,” Mr Phillips said.
“It felt really powerful, I did not know how it would go … the minute’s silence went quite quickly and I was expecting everyone to paddle back in but then there was a lot of unloading of emotion.
“It was very cleansing, it was good for the soul.”
Mr Phillips said it was an honour to have Will’s father and sister take part in the paddle out, along with Surf Life Saving SA’s executive and chaplain, members of the youth development squad and a member from Goolwa’s SLSC.
“People made a massive effort to come down in conditions that were predicted to be terrible,” he said.
“But the rain held off, there was some sunlight coming through.”
Mr Phillips said there were plans to permanently honour Will through the surf lifesaving club.
“We will as a club down the track definitely put an award or trophy in Will’s name, there is also a community memorial on Thursday,” he said.
“My heart goes out to the family, as much as this is a beautiful day the pain is still well and truly there.”
