Matthew Arnall: Man killed in horror water-skiing accident, identified as loving father and husband
A man who died in a water-skiing accident on the Murray River near the NSW-Victoria border has been identified as a loving father and husband.
Matthew Arnall, 42, was injured while racing in the Robinvale Euston 80 race at around 11am on Saturday and could not be resuscitated by paramedics.
Ski Racing Victoria canceled the event for Saturday and Sunday.
“As a ski racing community, we are here to support the affected family and team members and the wider ski racing community at this very sad time,” the statement said.
‘We would like to thank everyone for their efforts and support, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.’
Matthew Arnall (pictured above right) died on Saturday after being seriously injured while water skiing on the Murray River
Heartbroken friends and family have paid tribute to the father-of-two, who lived with his wife Tara in the town of Crookwell, near Goulburn.
Kaly Smith said he was a “true legend of a guy,” a beloved member of the “ski racing family.”
“You were a giver, the kindest yet roughest soul, but always put others first. We are heartbroken for Tara and the boys,” she wrote on social media.
“We will miss your crazy antics, a true gentleman taken too soon. How life isn’t fair.’
‘I’m sure the boys will have a few beers for you tonight. Rest in peace friend.’
The latest incident comes after the death of a man during the Southern 80 water ski race last month, also on the Murray River.
Trucker Luke Wentworth, in his early 40s, died after suffering catastrophic injuries in the first hour of the event.
It is understood the speedboat Mr Wentworth was towing was traveling at high speed when it made a sharp turn, causing him to crash into a tree.
Friends and family paid tribute to the loving father and husband (pictured right) as they remembered him as a ‘legend of a guy’