NSW: Community mourns shark victim

AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-2008
NSW: Community mourns shark victim

Eds: Reissuing to correct surname in fourth par to Curtis



SYDNEY, April 9 AAP - Schoolmates of the teenager killed by a shark on the NSW north
coast are undergoing counselling today as hundreds of people visit a lookout near the
beach where Peter Edmonds was killed.

Ballina's popular Lighthouse Beach, where the attack occurred, remained closed today
and the sand was deserted while hundreds of people gazed across the murky ocean from a
nearby lookout, a lifeguard spokesman said.

Peter, 16, died from massive blood loss after being attacked by a shark while bodyboarding
with a friend about 8am (AEST) yesterday.

His friend Brock Curtis, also 16, dragged his motionless mate to shore, but Peter could
not be revived.

"Probably about 20 kids rolled up (at the beach) at dusk yesterday afternoon, obviously
very upset," Northern NSW Lifeguard Coordinator Stephen Leahy told AAP.

"A number of them had bunches of flowers, which were thrown into the ocean."

Overcast conditions and heavy rain had created a dark atmosphere at the beach today,
Mr Leahy said.

"The beach is empty, although there are a number of people at a large lookout to the
north of the beach, that's full with lots of people just looking out over the water,"

he said.

At nearby Alstonville High School, where Peter was a student, staff and pupils were
being offered counselling, but an Education Department spokesman said classes were operating
as scheduled.

Principal David Silcock made a brief address to media this morning, offering the school's
support to Peter's family and friends.

NSW Police yesterday praised Brock's bravery in attempting to help Peter, indicating
he would be considered for a bravery medal.

"If the NSW Police Force were to nominate Brock for a bravery award, we would fully
support that," Mr Leahy said today.

"There is no doubt that Brock and his actions are incredibly brave. While he is very
humble and says, `Anyone would have done it', when you are in the water and risking your
life around sharks, that's awe-inspiring."

The shark that attacked Pater has not been identified and Mr Leahy said the lifeguard
service would not pursue the creature.

"The kids haven't done anything to pre-empt this attack, it's simply a tragic accident," he said.

The Lennox Longboarders group, of which Peter was a member, is planning a special event
on Sunday, when boarders wearing black armbands will paddle out to sea and observe a minute's
silence.

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KEYWORD: SHARK DAYLEAD (REISSUING)

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