Kitesurfer dies in stormy conditions
An experienced kitesurfer killed when blustery winds sent him cartwheeling across south Cottesloe beach died from a tragic combination of weather conditions, a doctor who helped try to save him, has claimed.
Father-of-one Marc Sprod was knocked unconscious after wind gusts pushed him into shore on Sunday afternoon and sent him tumbling into dunes before he could release his kite.
Despite desperate attempts by other kitesurfers to free the unconscious 50-year-old, more strong gusts hit his kite and dragged him up through the dunes and towards the road, where he hit a tree stump and bollards.
Close friend Julie Bradley told Seven News his family believed it was an unfortunate accident.
"It was a passion of his in life to kitesurf," she said. "He had amazing care. It was just a really unfortunate accident and the people who tried to help him were fantastic."
Phil Downing, who was also out kitesurfing, had been speaking to Mr Sprod just minutes before he saw the horrific incident unfold.
"He was sailing in the kitesurfing zone parallel to the beach, about 10m from shore," Dr Downing said.
"A strong gust pushed him almost to shore and he kicked off his board and tried to run it out."
But a gust about 45km/h came through and pulled him off his feet, sending him cartwheeling on the beach before his kite crashed into the dunes.
Two of Dr Downing's friends ran to help, one trying to catch the kite while the other tried to release the surfer's equipment.
"Just before one reached the kite another gust came through and pulled the kite up the dunes," Dr Downing said. "My other friend tried to hold him back but it was futile."
"It was like a perfect storm of random events. Kitesurfing is an extreme sport but he was very experienced. It's an absolute tragedy."
The doctor rushed to shore and he and others nearby worked to resuscitate Mr Sprod until paramedics arrived. He never regained consciousness, Dr Downing said.
Ms Bradley said it was a tough time for Mr Sprod's four-year-old son Milo, who did not understand what had happened to his dad.
