A fundraiser has been launched for the family of 15-year-old Luca Bennett, who has still not been found after he was swept off the rocks at a NSW beach on Christmas Eve.
The teenager was at North Avoca Beach with two friends when they were hit by a wave and pushed into the water, with his friends able to get out and raise the alarm with lifeguards.
A large-scale search effort was launched on Tuesday afternoon and into Wednesday, but police confirmed on Thursday morning that it had become a recovery operation.
A fundraiser has now been launched for the family, aiming to ease their financial burden as they try to find their son.
In an emotional plea, Emma Power said she was organising the fundraiser on behalf of Luca’s family and extended family who were “coping as best they can, together”.
“They are so grateful for the outpouring of love from our community, and the rescue teams that continue the search to bring Luca home to them to rest,” she wrote.
NORTH AVOCA, AUSTRALIA. NewsWire Photos. 25 DECEMBER 2024. Surf rescue teams search for a missing teen who was swept off the rocks at off North Avoca. Photo: NewsWire/Tom Parrish
“Please donate what you can to help to ease the financial burden of what lies ahead. Let the family concentrate on bringing him home.”
The campaign had received more than $75,000 from 996 people as of early Friday afternoon, exceeding the initial target of $50,000.
“We are truly devastated for the tragic loss of Luca and our love and thoughts are with his family and friends,” one donor wrote.
Following the announcement that the search for Luca was being scaled back, tributes began to flow online for the teenager, who is understood to be a basketballer and student at The Scots College.
Ms Power described the 15-year-old as “a friend to many” who had “a twinkle in his eye” and a boisterous, infectious laugh.
A 15-year-old boy who went missing off the coast of North Avoca on Christmas Eve has been identified as Scots student Luca Bennett. Picture: Instagram
“He was a talented basketballer, and always gave his time to shoot around with younger athletes, and loved a scrimmage against the older boys,” she wrote.
“That’s the thing about Luca – everyone loved being around him, and you always walked away with a full heart and a smile on your face.”
Anyone with information about the boy’s whereabouts have been urged to come forward.