Two children are without their dad and are incredibly lucky to still have their mum after a family trip to the beach turned into tragedy.
Raiden, 12 and Aleyna, 11 lost their father after he drowned at Hyam’s Beach, on the south coast of New South Wales on 4 March. Moments after losing their dad, the children’s mother suffered a heart attack as she tried to pull her husband’s body out of the surf.
Their dad, Brad Coleman, died a hero and their mum, Hulya, is now left a widow as the heartbroken family speaks out about the devastating incident.
NSW drowning – husband and wife both suffer heart attacks
The Coleman’s were regular tourists at Hyam Beach but hadn’t been able to get to their little slice of paradise due to Covid restrictions for the past three years.
The family was so excited to return to their favourite destination that they hadn’t even unpacked their car at their holiday home before heading to the water for a quick dip.
As Brad, Raiden and Aleyna raced down to the water, Hulya remained in the holiday home which overlooked the ocean.
She watched her family splash in the water before hearing the piercing screams of her children as they got caught up in a rip.
‘A hero, he saved his children but unfortunately could not save himself’
Brad swam after his children while nearby beachgoers jumped onto their bodyboards to help the children. Raiden and Aleyna were whisked back to shore but Brad struggled to make it back. He drowned after suffering a heart attack.
Hulya witnessed everything from the balcony of their holiday home and quickly rushed to the ocean to try and help. She arrived just in time to help pull her husband’s body to shore. The pure shock resulted in a minor heart attack.
‘I’ve lost my best friend’
Hulya and her children were whisked to Price of Wales Hospital where they were assessed and have since been released.
However, Hulya has shared her absolute devastation about losing her husband in this NSW drowning and coming to terms with life without Brad.
I’ve lost my best friend. I never thought I’d ever be a widow. This is a nightmare that I keep thinking I’ll wake up from …. then I realise it’s true.”
Just days after losing her husband, Hulya also lost her father, who passed away while in palliative care.
‘So close, no matter how far’
Friends and family gathered to farewell Brad on March 17th at a service at Matraville.
His death notice reads: “Cherished husband to Hulya. Much loved dad to Raiden & Aleyna. Treasured son to Susan & Greg. Adored brother to Steven & Scott. Brad was a loving grandson, nephew, cousin, brother-in-law & friend to many. So Close, No Matter How Far.”
As Hulya, Raiden, and Aleyna try to pick up the pieces after losing Brad, Brad’s brother Scott has set up a GoFundMe account to help the family during this tragic time.
Scott writes,
“Brad was my brother, my best friend, and the best man I knew. His family must face a future without him, their lives changed in an instant in the most painful manner. Any donation you can make, small or large, to assist in the long-term support of Brad’s family will be gratefully and humbly received.'”
More than $53,000 has already been raised – smashing the target of $20,000. Our thoughts go out to the Colemans after this heartbreaking loss.
Be Rip aware
Rip currents are one of the greatest, and most common, hazards on Australian beaches. On average, rip currents are responsible for at least 21 drownings deaths in Australia each year.
Rip currents tend to occur in deeper and/or darker water and are characterised by:
- Fewer breaking waves
- Sandy coloured water extending beyond the surf zone
- Debris or seaweed
- Significant water movement
If you’re caught in a rip current, stay calm, conserve your energy and consider these options:
- Seek help. Raise your arm and call out. You may be rescued.
- Float with the current. It may return you to a shallow sandbank.
- Swim parallel to the beach or towards the breaking waves. You may escape the rip current.
Visit Beachsafe.org.au for more information.
