'Our hearts are broken': Young kayaker remembered as 'role model' and devoted coach
A young man who died while kayaking has been remembered by loved ones and the wider Gold Coast sporting community as a “role model for others” and talented basketball coach.
Chris Dicker, 28, went missing around 7am on Easter Sunday after setting off on Tallebudgera Creek. His kayak was found near a bridge several hours later.
The man’s body was found after a search by authorities and residents about 6.20am Easter Monday.
Shortly afterwards, a close friend to the bereaved family confirmed the tragic news that Dicker had been found, adding that the family suspected the young man had suffered a seizure while he was kayaking.
“It’s with my greatest sorrow that I wish to notify all of the passing Chris Dicker,” the family friend posted to Facebook on Monday morning.
“He passed while having a seizure. Having fun on the water.”
Social media was subsequently flooded with tributes to Dicker, many making reference to his passion for the grassroots sporting clubs he dedicated himself to.
“You were a great player and role model for others and though you are gone way too soon, your impact on others has been huge,” one tribute read.
“Sending your family much love from the Special Olympics basketball family. Rest easy mate.”
The Coombabah Clippers Basketball Club where Dicker had worked as a coach described the 28-year-old as an “amazing coach and good friend”.
“Chris touched so many lives and invested in more people than we can begin to know,” the club said.
“Clippers honours you, Chris. We would not be the club we are today without you. You will be sorely missed by all of us.”
The North Gold Coast Seahawks Basketball Club, where Dicker had been long-time coach, said he was a “dedicated volunteer who injected himself wherever was needed”.
Earlier in the year Dicker had been successful in joining the basketball program, Ozswoosh, as a video analysis assistant after obtaining his level 2 in coaching accreditation.
The program’s head coach, Craig Rowe, paid tribute to his lost friend and colleague.
“You will always be in my thoughts and remembered Chris Dicker. I will miss your many phone calls,” he said.
“Your passion for the sport and drive to help others improve and your devotion to growing the sport is commendable … My heart goes out to your family and those within the basketball community touched by your heart and helped by your kindness. Until we meet again my friend.”
The young man’s distraught mother, Deborah Dicker, told the ABC she had thought the worst when her son’s kayak was found Sunday morning.
“It’s just been numb, because we had no idea what happened,” she said.
“It’s hard to take … he’s gone. It’s like left a huge hole.”
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