Heartbroken mates pay tribute to man, 22, who died bodyboarding

Heartbroken mates have paid tribute to a popular bodyboarder who died at a NSW surf beach on Sunday, wishing they had another chance to surf with the young man.

Jake Hanson, 22, was pulled unconscious from the water at Lake Macquarie’s Pinny Beach about 10am, paramedics say.

They administered CPR at the scene, but the young man couldn’t be revived.

Mr Hanson’s mates have taken to social media to share condolences and remember the bodyboarder known as the “Milky Bar kid” for his resemblance to the iconic character.

“R.I.P my brother milky fly high,” one young man wrote on Facebook.

“I’ve lost too many mates over the last year and it’s getting harder and harder. Jake Nicholas, I’m gunna miss you brother. I wish we got another surf in. Rest In Peace Milky,” another signed off with a red heart.

Newcastle hip hop artist ‘Blake ChillinIt’ promised to dedicate his sold out gig at the Cambridge hotel later this month to Mr Hanson, with many agreeing it was a fitting tribute for “the millkman”.

“He would love this cheers bois,” one commented on the thread.

While police are treating the tragedy as “a suspected drowning” a NSW Ambulance spokeswoman said it was unclear if the bodyboarder died as a result of drowning or another medical issue.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District are speaking to witnesses and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

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