An Australian hiker who lost his life during severe flooding in Nepal is being remembered as a dedicated high school teacher whose impact reached far beyond the classroom.
Michael Keats, from Mollymook on the New South Wales South Coast, had been making his way back from a trek around Mount Kailash in Tibet when floodwaters swept through the region last Wednesday.
His family and friends confirmed his death in an online tribute on Monday evening. His partner, Emily Boyd, described him as an “incredibly important part” of her family.
At Moruya High School, where Mr Keats worked as a support teacher, relieving principal Glenn Grimmond shared the news with parents in a letter on Tuesday and paid tribute to his contribution to the school community.
“Michael was a valued member of our school community, and his loss will be deeply felt by our students, staff and families,” Mr Grimmond said.
‘We recognise that this news may be particularly upsetting for students who knew Mr Keats and had a connection with him through their learning or wellbeing support, or who may simply be affected by the circumstances of his passing.
‘Our thoughts are very much with his partner, family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.’
The tribute comes after Ms Boyd launched a fundraiser to help Mr Keats’ sisters travel to India to participate in a yoga and spiritual ritual in his honour. Part of the funds will also be donated to families and communities affected by flooding in Nepal.
Michael Keats, pictured with partner Emily Boyd, died in flooding in Nepal last week
He has been remembered as a valued teacher who will be deeply missed by his students
At the time of publication, Ms Boyd had raised more than $36,000.
‘He was also my young son’s stepfather, although he was the only father he has ever known. His loss has changed everything for both of us,’ she wrote in a post on GoFundMe.
‘We are trying to navigate the shock and grief of losing someone we love deeply, while also having to face life without the person who was such an important part of our family and our household.
‘I never imagined I would be asking for financial support in this way. It is incredibly difficult to put this into words, and even harder to ask for help. But right now, we genuinely need our community around us.’
Mr Keats’ sister, Karen, shared an update on social media confirming she’d also be attending the retreat.
‘A big journey in the midst of grief but I feel so divinely guided by my brother right now,’ she wrote.
‘He had such a beautiful flow with life and I feel like I’m being carried along by that same flow.’
Mr Keats is understood to have been a follower of Indian spiritual leader Jagadish Vasudev, known as Sadhguru.
Nepalese authorities continue searching for survivors following the flooding
Ms Boyd raised more than $36,000 to help Mr Keats’ sisters travel to India for a spiritual ritual in his honour
Vasudev, founder of the Isha Foundation, said last Thursday that Keats and ten other Australians were waiting at a border checkpoint in Gyirong when flash flooding hit.
At least 43 Australians are still missing in Nepal.
That figure does not include 26-year-old Cara Severino, who was rescued on Saturday after fleeing the flood-affected region on a tractor with local residents.
The Royal Australian Air Force on Monday deployed a C-17A Globemaster III to Nepal with emergency humanitarian supplies, disaster relief equipment and personnel.
Nepalese authorities have confirmed 919 deaths and 4,793 people are missing either side of the Nepal-Tibet border.
Many of the missing Australians were on tours for a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash – a sacred place in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon.
Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time of year for the trek.
Nepalese authorities have warned in advance that the remains of deceased foreigners could take time to be repatriated.
Amid the ongoing crisis, Nepal Police detailed a nine-step process remains must undergo before being released to loved ones.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a 24-hour emergency hotline.
It can be domestically reached at 1300 555 135. If calling from overseas, the number is +61 2 6261 3305.