Sister’s heartbreaking tribute to young lifesaver who had a ‘huge heart’

An 18-year-old surf lifesaver has been found dead after vanishing from a Queensland beach in a tragedy that has rocked a tight-knit community.

Tributes have flowed for 18-year-old surf lifesaver Joe Tolano, who was tragically found dead after disappearing at a Sunshine Coast beach.

The young man entered the water at Buddina Beach on Wednesday about 4.15pm but soon vanished.

He had been surfing with mates before a club training session, The Courier-Mail reported.

Surf Lifesavers set up at Buddina Beach where a young man went missing on Wednesday. Picture: Mia Ludwig

18-year-old life saver Joe Tolano with his sister Abbie. Picture: Instagram / Abbie Tolano
His disappearance sparked a massive search effort, involving jet skis, police divers and the coastguard along with a large group of volunteers.

Rough surf conditions were a challenge during the desperate days-long search.

The young man’s body was found about 6pm on Friday, police said in a statement.

His sister Abbie paid tribute to her brother in a social media post, saying “the worst things happen to the best people”.

“Just a kid who frothed Clubbies and worked his ass off at it. Doing what he loved catching waves with his best friends,” she wrote.

“Joey you had a huge heart and it has showed in all the people showing up for you mate.

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“I’ll see you again soon JT – rest easy and hope there are endless barrels up there for you.”

The young man’s disappearance sparked a major search effort. Picture: Instagram
Surf Life Saving Queensland chief operating officer Gregory Cahill said the loss had rocked their close-knit community.

“Joe was a passionate and dedicated young lifesaver who was well-known and respected by his club peers, teammates and competitors,” he said.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our clubs on the Sunshine Coast and for surf lifesavers right across Queensland.

“On behalf of Surf Life Saving Queensland, I extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family and friends during this devastating time.”

Queensland’s surf lifesaving community has remembered Joe Tolano for his dedication and passion. Picture: Facebook / Surf Life Saving Queensland
Surf Life Saving Queensland president Tim Ryan said in an earlier statement that it was an “incredibly distressing” time for their “entire Sunshine Coast surf life saving family”.

“Surf Life Saving is built on strong community and support for each other,” he said as per The Courier-Mail.

“We encourage all members to check in with patrol mates, teammates and fellow clubbies, and to access the available wellbeing support services.”

Community group The Beach Matters issued a plea during the search for local residents to keep an eye out for the missing teen.

“Our immense love (and) thoughts go out to his family (and) friends at this incredibly traumatic time,” the group posted in an update on Friday evening.

“We are so sorry for your loss. May you rest in paradise mate.

“Gone way too soon, doing what you loved. Thoughts (and) gratitude to everyone involved in helping to bring this young man back to his family.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.