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A local community is grieving the loss of two teenagers who died after an accident at a popular waterfall.
A 17-year-old girl fell off a waterfall at Queensland’s Wappa Falls, on the state’s Sunshine Coast, about 2.30pm on Sunday.
A 17-year-old boy, an acquaintance of the girl, jumped into the water to help her when she did not resurface.
Police said both teens went missing, sparking a search and rescue operation.
The girl’s body was found about 3.30pm and divers recovered the body of the boy several hours later.
The waterfall remains closed as the police investigation continues, with officers preparing reports for the coroner regarding both teenagers.
Nicklin MP Marty Hunt offered his condolences to the families of the two teenagers as the community grieves the loss of the young lives.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the two individuals who tragically lost their lives at the waterfall,” he said in a statement.
“Two families are enduring unimaginable pain right now and on behalf of the community I offer our deepest condolences during this time.”
Wappa Falls is a popular local swimming spot and tourism destination, but it can be dangerous after heavy rain.
Spills from the upstream Wappa Dam can make it a powerful and turbulent waterfall.
The dam is 101.8 per cent full, according to Seqwater, the Queensland government’s bulk water supply authority.
Seqwater warned on Sunday morning outflows from Wappa Dam had increased after heavy Saturday rainfall.
Nearby Cooloolabin Dam received 49mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday.
“Avoid potential hazards downstream of the dam such as fast flowing or deep water near waterways and floodplains,” Seqwater said.
“These hazards potentially threaten the safety of you and your property.”
Wappa Falls has been the site of several tragedies over the years, with a father drowning in 2022 trying to save his son who had fallen into the water.
More than 30 people have drowned across the country this summer.
