On Friday, 1 October Peter Finch left work early to celebrate his birthday. He and his four-year-old son, Jaxon headed to Lake Macquarie on the NSW Central Coast for a kayak in the lake.
As the pair were paddling in the water, the kayak got away from them, and both Peter and Jaxon were tipped into the water.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Peter and Jaxon were left treading water until members of the public were able to get to them and pull them from the water.
Birthday trip ends in kayaking tragedy
It’s unknown how long they were left treading water or exactly what those moments felt like but what we do know is Peter didn’t survive, leaving Jaxon and his baby daughter without a dad.
However, eyewitnesses report the heroic father risked his own life to keep his son afloat.
It appears the man has heroically held the young boy above the water after they’ve tipped over, saving his life,” NSW Ambulance Inspector Andrew Craig said.
Witnesses rushed into the water and were able to bring the father and son to shore and performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of bystanders and paramedics, the man was unable to be revived.”
‘We lost a son, brother, husband, dad, uncle, friend’
The community is absolutely heartbroken over the tragedy but Peter is being hailed a hero for saving his son. Peter, who is described as being a ‘family man’, leaves behind his wife, Natalie, Jaxon and his baby daughter.
Natalie paid tribute to her husband on her Facebook page, calling Peter “my husband, my lover, my best friend, my partner in crime, my hero”.
I don’t know how to do life without you. You have been my rock for the last 17-and-a-half years. No one has my back like you do! You are the most amazing, fun, loving, beautiful daddy! I PROMISE the kids will always know just how wonderful you are, our hero!”
On 1st October we lost a son, brother, husband, dad, uncle, friend, to a horrible accident.
Peter was an amazing husband, an amazing dad and an amazing friend. He sacrificed his own life to save his little boy, heroism at its finest.
Peter has a wife, a little boy and a baby girl he has left behind. We are hoping to raise some money to help his family get through the toughest time of their lives, anything is muchly appreciated. We understand that times are tough and if you can’t afford to donate that’s fine, a simple share could mean an extra $1.
We thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time.”
Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and friends at this difficult time. You can donate through GoFundMe.
