FRIENDS of a young man who plunged 30 metres to his death at the iconic Mount Gambier Cave Gardens in the early hours of Sunday morning have been left shocked by the tragic accident.
Lewiston man Bradley Streeter, 20, fell from the lower viewing platform at the sinkhole while reportedly performing a handstand on railing just after midnight.
Friends of the man watched helplessly from the platform as the accident unfolded at the popular Mount Gambier attraction.
Emergency services were quickly alerted to the incident, however Limestone Coast Police operations manager Inspector Campbell Hill said Mr Streeter was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Unfortunately by the time emergency services were able to reach the male, he was pronounced deceased at the scene and the matter is not being considered suspicious,” Insp Hill said.
“It’s an extreme tragedy and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the deceased.”
Mount Gambier Metropolitan Fire Service station officer Rob Baker said nine crew members attended the scene and were assisted by State Emergency Service to help with the retrieval of Mr Streeter.
“Any scene where there’s a loss of life has a potential impact on crews, it is an unfortunate part of the role,” Mr Baker said.
“You always go to these kind of incidents hoping for a positive outcome, but on this occasion it was not the case.”
Mr Baker said it was a “technically difficult” job for crews given the location and praised their efforts in trying circumstances.
“Even when you are recovering a body, it is an important job as it provides the family of the deceased with some closure,” he said.
“It’s not good work but it is what we are required to do.”
Peer support services have been offered to any firefighters affected by the incident.
Tributes began to flow for the 20-year-old man online as soon as news of his death surfaced, with one friend describing Mr Streeter as a “legend of a bloke”.
“We have too many memories, I cannot break them down. I will cherish every moment I have with you, I’m so proud of you,” one post read.
“I’ll love you forever, you’re the best mate anyone could have ever asked for, you’re a legend of a bloke.”
Loved ones also turned to The Border Watch Facebook page to say goodbye.
“Bro you will be missed by everyone. You were taken way to early, it’s sad to know that it was you that had to be taken. Fly high with your dad bro. RIP Bradley,” Reese Loechel said.
Police ask anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
They will prepare a report for the Coroner.
