Friends of drowned man thought he was joking when he called for help

The friends of an 18-year-old man calling for help as he was swept away by rapidly flowing water thought he was joking.

The man died after he was swept away by rapids when he jumped into Big Crystal Creek about 4pm on Sunday in Mutarnee, north of Townsville, following cyclone Owen.

Queensland Police said Dane Bracey was with his girlfriend and friends when he jumped from the three-metre high rock into the flowing creek.

“He resurfaced and called for help, they initially thought he was joking and he’s gone under again,” district duty officer Senior Sergeant Joe Matheson told reporters.

He said his girlfriend then attempted to enter the water after him but the conditions were too dangerous due to the rapidly rising and flowing water.

A 27-year-old man separate from the group then jumped in the water and pulled Mr Bracey’s body out from under a log.

CPR was attempted until paramedics arrived but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Bracey’s devastated parents posted a tribute to the boy on Facebook.

“Today a part of my soul and all of my heart has broken into a thousands pieces,” the post said.

A friend described him as a “soft-spoken young man matured beyond your years”.

“Gone too soon, fly high young man,” the post said.

Senior Sergeant Matheson said his friends who witnessed his death were obviously devastated and reminded people the dangers of rapidly flowing water.

“If it’s flooded, forget it” he said.

“This tragedy could have been avoided if people did not go near rapidly flowing water.

“Nobody needs to witness a thing like this.”