Khai Cowley's funeral: Powerful surfer, 15, is laid to rest after being mauled to death by shark attack
A young surfer has been buried at the spot where he surfed his favorite wave after dying in a horrific shark attack.
Hundreds gathered on Monday to say goodbye to Khai Cowley, 15, who was attacked by a shark on December 28 while surfing at Ethel Beach in Innes National Park, about 280km from Adelaide.
The 15-year-old had traveled to South Australia's Yorke Peninsula with his father for a surfing trip.
His father was on the beach when emergency services rushed to the area at 1.30pm following reports of a shark attack. A witness pulled Khai's body from the water, but he could not be saved.
More than 500 guests were expected to gather on his favorite beach in Seaford on Monday to pay their respects.
Khai Cowley, 15, was buried on Monday during a memorial service where he surfed his favorite wave
More than 500 people gathered on Monday to say goodbye to Khai who was attacked by a shark on December 28 while surfing at Ethel Beach in Innes National Park, about 280km from Adelaide.
Flowers and tributes were left on the beach, with a touching message left by some of the boy's surfers. “Forever in our hearts Khai,” read a touching note.
Flowers and tributes were displayed on the beach, with a moving message from some of the boy's surfers. “Forever in our hearts Khai,” read a touching note.
“It has been a pleasure sharing the waves with you over the years and I will miss you so much.
'Forever a much loved komrat.'
A wooden bench overlooking the water is decorated with native flowers, shells and photos of Khai with his friends.
His funeral announcement invited family and friends to farewell him at the seaside service at 'the Bowl' at Seaford Reef.
“To be held on Khai's favorite golf course, the Bowl (the end of Seaford Rd, Esplanade),” the announcement read.
'The service is held outside on the beach on the sand and lasts one hour.
'Friends and family are encouraged to wear your club shirt for Khai (surfing/football club) or casual beachwear.'
A wooden bench overlooking the water is decorated with native flowers, shells and photos of Khai with his friends
Tributes are pictured on a wooden chair in front of the Seaford memorial to Khai Cowley – overlooking his favorite surfing spot, 'the bowl'
The council has posted a public notice on their Facebook page to warn locals ahead of the 'significant turnout'.
“The council has learned that a gathering of more than 500 guests is expected to honor and commemorate the 15-year-old,” the message said.
'[He] was a beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, friend, surfing and soccer teammate and student.”
“We recognize that this may cause some inconvenience, and we thank you for your kindness and understanding for the family and their guests as they prepare to say goodbye to their beloved Khai on his favorite beach.”
The council has posted a public notice on their Facebook page to warn locals ahead of the 'significant turnout'
His father was on the beach when emergency services rushed to the area after reports of a shark attack. A witness pulled Khai's body from the water, but he could not be saved