Gibraltar Falls tragedy: Patrick Prevett became the second to die in days at a popular waterfall near Canberra

The second man in a week to fall to his death at a scenic waterfall popular for Instagram selfies was remembered by shaken loved ones as a kind-hearted soul with life still ahead of him when the calls for a permanent closure of the tourist hotspot increased.

Patrick Prevett, 22, of Queanbeyan, was visiting Gibraltar Falls, southwest of Canberra, with his sister and friends on Saturday when he slipped at the top of the 50-metre waterfall, sparking a frantic search.

He was found unconscious in the water and could not be revived despite paramedics’ desperate efforts to save him.

He is the second young man in a week to die in the same scenic spot where 19-year-old university student Thomas Livingston fell to his death six days earlier.

Authorities have announced that public access to the waterfall has been closed since Tuesday, four days before Mr Prevett died.

Patrick Prevett becomes the second man in a week to die at Gibraltar Falls, a popular waterfall

Demands are mounting for the popular spot to be closed permanently, or at least until a thorough security clearance can be completed.

“I visited Gibraltar Falls with rangers from the ACT Parks and Conservation Service to inspect the visitor facilities, including warning signs, designated walking trails, crash barriers and viewing platforms, and to identify opportunities to further strengthen the safety measures already in place,” said Flora’s ACT Conservator and fauna, Bren Burkevics said last week.

“The ACT Parks and Conservation Service does not recommend swimming or walking in undesignated areas within our parks and preserves.”

Gibraltar Falls is a popular spot for Instagram selfies, despite warnings to stay away from the cliff. This photo was shared just three weeks ago

Friends have rallied around Mr Prevett’s broken family and set up an online fundraiser to raise funds for his funeral.

“We are raising funds to celebrate and remember Patrick Prevett and to give him the ceremony and farewell he deserves,” the site reads.

“The Prevett family lost a son, a brother, a nephew, an uncle and a friend. Pat was a young and kind hearted man with so much life ahead of him.

“His family is so proud of the man he was and the life he built, he watches over us all now. His passing shattered the hearts of so many family members and friends.’

Almost $2000 has already been raised.

Patrick Prevett slipped and fell to his death at Gibraltar Falls (pictured) southwest of Canberra on Saturday

Anyone who witnessed the death of Mr. Prevett and has not yet spoken to ACT police is urged to come forward.

The latest tragedy comes less than a week after Thomas Livingston lost his footing and fell to his death last Sunday.

Public access to the waterfall was closed last Tuesday, four days before Mr Prevett died.

“The Gibraltar Falls waterfall and hiking trail are closed until further notice,” according to the ACT Parks and Conservation website.

The website also urges visitors not to swim over the waterfall.

There are also signs on the site warning visitors to stay away from the dangerous cliff edge and to stay on the trail “for your own safety”.

Geoffrey Rutledge, the ACT government’s deputy director-general for the Environment, Water and Emissions Reduction Department, said access to the waterfall is closed pending the completion of a security review expected to take a few weeks.

“The signage shows we don’t want people near the edges and we don’t see it as a swimming hole,” he told reporters Sunday.

“We have many bathing areas in our parks. We do not consider Gibraltar Falls a swimming hole.”

19-year-old university student Thomas Livingston (pictured) fell from Gibraltar Falls last Sunday

ACT Parks and Conservation urges visitors on its website not to swim over the falls

The scenic location has also become a popular spot for selfies, despite warnings to stay away from the cliff.

“I was on top of a f***ing waterfall,” one woman commented on her photos shared on Instagram three weeks ago.

Two years ago, the Canberra Times newspaper also shared visitors’ selfies urging people to enjoy the great outdoors, which has since sparked public outrage following the two most recent deaths.

“Showing the falls is still a great way to encourage people to go out, but maybe either drone photos or photos from the observation deck,” one man commented on the post on Monday.

Another added: “#dumbwaytodie.”

Mr Livingston was a member of the Sydney Rowing Club and had relocated to Canberra from NSW to attend the Australian National University.

Rowing NSW paid tribute to the young man in a statement, remembering him as a “hardworking rower”.

“Tom was a down to earth, hardworking rower, having rowed and been captain of boats and a senior prefect at his Shore school,” the club wrote.

Mr Livingston was selected in the Australia U19 men’s group of eight but was unable to tour due to the pandemic.

“Rowing Australia is incredibly saddened by the tragic death of Tom Livingstone over the weekend,” the club wrote.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Tom’s family and friends.”

Warning signs at the scenic spot urge visitors to stay away from the cliff edge

Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk