Tragedy after mother-of-four is killed in freak accident while competing in water skiing competition at Seelands
Devastated friends of a talented water skier who died in a freak accident say they feel ‘undermined’ by the death of the beloved mother-of-four.
Amy Hockley, 49, died on Saturday after a high-speed boat crash on the Clarence River at Seelands, just west of Grafton in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
Ms Hockley had competed in the Ski Racing Australia Queensland State Titles this weekend, with Sunday’s events canceled following her death.
Emergency services, including air ambulance paramedics, treated the water skier for serious injuries, but she could not be resuscitated and died at the scene.
Dozens of people have shared their heartfelt tributes to the mother of four.
Amy Hockley, 49, died on Saturday after a high-speed boat crash on the Clarence River at Seelands, just west of Grafton in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
Mrs Hockley, a mother of four, had competed in water skiing at championship level
“On Saturday I lost my second mother, Amy Hockley, a dedicated and passionate woman who proved age is just a number,” one woman wrote.
‘We’re going to miss you. Rest in peace.’
“I was deeply affected by the sad news that one of my former students – from back in 2014 – and someone I was absolutely in awe of for her tenacity and zest for life, was involved in a tragic water skiing accident,” a second shared.
“Amy Hockley – I honestly can’t believe you’re gone, my friend. I hope you are at peace knowing that you have left an indelible mark on this world and are an example to us all of how to embrace the cliché, by living life to the fullest.”
Another woman said she was ‘shattered’ by the loss of her friend.
‘I am broken. I’m devastated for your children and husband. You were a champion. I admired your ambition and strength. A serious warrior,” she said.
‘You never know what’s around the corner. So in pure ‘Amy style’, stay true to yourself, speak the truth and live life to the fullest.”
Another said Mrs Hockley’s legacy would live on through her children.
Ms Hockley had competed in the Ski Racing Australia Queensland State Titles this weekend, with Sunday’s events canceled due to the tragedy
“May your legacy live on through the four beautiful offspring who I know are proud of their mom for who she was and what she stood for!” she wrote.
“Australia has lost something unique and I will certainly miss our banter and have very fond memories of it, knowing that we have walked an almost identical path in life over the decades!”
Ms Hockley had competed in water skiing at championship level and had previously competed in bodybuilding competitions.
Ski Racing Australia said in a statement shared on Saturday that it is continually reassessing what is in the best interests of the sport.
“The Ski Racing Australia board, in consultation with state association representatives, would like to recommend that all event sanctions be withdrawn until further notice due to recent water incidents,” the organization said.
“This decision is effective immediately and means there will be no racing at the South Australian State Titles and Queensland State Titles on Sunday 9 June.
“This decision has been made to ensure that we continue to improve all safety aspects of our sport to protect our members, and with respect for the families involved.”
Detectives from Coffs-Clarence Police District and officers from the NSW Police Marine Area Command are investigating the crash.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
