POLICE have revealed the man who drowned in the South Dubbo weir was 19-year-old James Kennedy, in an accident the police described as a “tragic event”.
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As morning arrived yesterday the weir was peaceful, with nothing to suggest a tragedy had occurred less than 24 hours before.
A lone man was looking over the bank with his dog, while sparse pieces of waste littered the ground a few metres away.
The risk warning sign loomed over the small clearing reminding those concerned that swimming or diving into the weir was at their own discretion.
Orana crime manager Detective Inspector Rod Blackman said it was a difficult time for the young man’s family and friends.
“It’s a sad day for Dubbo, and a great loss through nothing more than a tragic event,” he said.
Mr Kennedy’s body was found after five hours of searching from police, Volunteer Rescue Association and State Emergency Service officers.
Det Insp Blackman said the teenager was out fishing with two friends, heading upstream towards the weir at around 2.45pm on Sunday. Tied up on a large stump, the boat was stationary when Mr Kennedy’s dog jumped into the river.
“He jumped in trying to retrieve his dog, it’s probably a natural reaction for most of us,” Det Insp Blackman said.
Police said the body of the dog was also recovered in the river.
The accident comes almost four years after 15-year-old Josh Macfarlane’s death, something Det Insp Blackman recognised.
“Sadly it’s not unusual, it’s dangerous from time to time, the water level varies,” he said.
A report is being prepared for the coroner, who will proceed with making appropriate recommendations.
Police couldn’t say whether further security measures would be put into place at the weir.
