After being pulled from the water on the Gold Coast, respected surgeon and former national rugby union representative Dr Mick Barry has died.
Just before 6:00am today, ambulance crews were called to the beach near the Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club.
Police said that when they got caught in a rip, the 78-year-old was swimming with a group of five mates.
The other swimmers made it to shore and attempted CPR before emergency crews arrived, District Duty Officer Brendan Wiblen said.
“A 78-year-old Miami man and five of his long-time friends went for a daily swim in the ocean near the Currumbin Vikings Surf Club,” District Duty Officer Wiblen said.
“Once in the water they experienced a strong southerly pull in the water.
“They started to struggle, one was pulled to the beach by his friends.
“They realised that the male who died was still in the water struggling so they went back in and pulled him in too.
“At some point he’s suffered a medical episode.
“His friends and the ambulance attempted to give him CPR but he was unable to be revived.”
Police said no was else was injured but the victim’s friends are traumatised.
“He was well known to the local community down there.”
