Dad Speaks Out After 17-Year-Old Son Drowned Trying to Save His Friend, Says 'That’s the Type of Person He Was'

• Beau Liddell and Honor Ward, both 17, died on Jan. 19 when Liddell jumped in to save Ward, who fell off a waterfall in Queensland, Australia

• Since then, a number of loved ones have spoken out about the deaths of the two teenagers, including Beau's dad, Adam Liddell

• "He never thought of himself first," he said of his son
  

In the aftermath of the tragic drowning deaths of two friends in Australia, loved ones have been sharing their heartfelt tributes, including the father of one of the teenagers who died.

According to Queensland Police, emergency services responded to a call about a 17-year-old girl, later identified as Honor Ward, who “fell off a waterfall at Wappa Falls and failed to resurface” around 2:30 p.m. local time, on Sunday, Jan. 19.

Beau Liddell, 17, a friend of Ward, “jumped into the water to assist locating the girl but has also failed to resurface,” authorities said.

After a search and rescue operation involving the fire department and police divers, Ward’s body was found in the water. Four hours later, Liddell’s body was also located.

Related: 'Hero' Teen Dies on Vacation Saving Kids He Didn't Know from Drowning: 'Our Family Is Devastated'

In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Beau's grieving father, Adam Liddell, said "the whole family is just a mess."

In addition to remembering his son for his creativity, Liddell said that the fact that his son died trying to save somebody else was a reflection of the kind of person he was.

"That's the type of person he was," his father added. "He never thought of himself first."

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In a separate tribute, Beau's sister remembered her brothers as "the most caring and kind heart."

“I miss you so badly, baby brother,” Skye wrote, according to 7News. "I am so proud of you. I love you to the moon and back, forever and always.”

Related: Woman Survives 150-Foot Fall at Remote Waterfall in Washington State: ‘Serious Injuries’ 

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, a memorial was held for Honor at Chaplin Park in Noosaville, which was attended by over 100 people, including Honor’s parents, Steve and Louisa Ward, the Courier Mail reported.

During the memorial, Ward’s father praised Liddell for trying to save his daughter. "She loved you and we loved her," he said, according to Noosa Today.

Kaylee Rainbow, a friend of both Beau and Honor, was with the two teens when the tragedy took place, according to the Courier Mail. In a social media post reviewed by the outlet, Rainbow recalled her friends’ final moments.

“I couldn’t reach her in time, couldn’t pull her from the water, and it’s suffocating knowing I couldn’t save her when she needed me most,” she said. “She died in the place she loved most, swimming at a waterfall, the water was her second home and now it holds her forever."

Rainbow also singled out the brave efforts of Beau, writing, “I’ll never understand how someone so young could be so brave, but I’ll never forget what you did.”

Related: 26-Year-Old Woman Drowns After Getting Swept Up into Waterfall at Glacier National Park

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been established to help pay for grief counseling for Honor and Beau's loved ones.

"Honor and Beau were cherished individuals who brought light and love into the lives of everyone who knew them," wrote organizer Angela Loynd. “Their loss has left a profound void in the hearts of their loved ones, friends, and the wider community."

“Honor and Beau’s lives were tragically cut short, but their memory will live on in our hearts forever," the organizer added. "Together, we can support their loved ones as they navigate this painful journey."

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