ABC News

Family Mourns

Reporting 20 October 2021 - ABC News

By John Dobson and Kyle Pauletto

The family of an eight-year-old boy who tragically drowned in a river near Walpole have paid tribute to their "much-loved boy".

Key points:

• The family of the eight-year-old who drowned near Walpole earlier this week have thanked those who helped recover his body

• Sol's body was found after a lengthy search and was eventually recovered under trying conditions on Sunday

• Police say Sol's family, who request that their privacy be respected, remained at the site throughout the operation

Sol, whose last name has been withheld, drowned in what police believe was a kayaking incident at Fernhook Falls, a popular tourist spot in Mount Frankland National Park, on Sunday October 10.

His body was retrieved from the falls last Sunday after a mammoth recovery effort that included tactical response group officers and emergency services.

In a statement the family described Sol as "much loved by his parents, his brothers and his community".

"Our deepest thanks go to the police, emergency services, community volunteers and civilian contractors," the statement said.

"We acknowledge the many individuals who gave everything in extreme conditions to recover our boy.

"We would also like to thank our friends and family for their comfort and support.

"We now ask that you respect our privacy."

Earlier this week Great Southern Police Superintendent Kim Travers said the recovery "would not have been possible without the mutual trust and respect" of Sol's family, who she said remained on the site throughout the operation.