Western Australian surfers took to the waves yesterday to honour 17-year-old Laeticia Brouwer, who died last week following a shark attack while surfing near Esperance.
Dozens of surfers from Brouwers’ hometown Singleton paddled out to form a circle during a beachfront memorial service for the teen, while others did the same in the waters near Esperance.
Paddle out for 17yo shark attack victim Laeticia Brouwer @EspExpress #esperance pic.twitter.com/sWgHX1jO8Z
— Caitlyn Rintoul (@caitlynrintoul) April 23, 2017
In Singleton, a large grouped formed on the beach as Brouwer’s parents delivered a memorial speech.
They described her as someone who would always try to put others before herself, and that she’d encourage fellow surfers “by pushing them into waves, coaching with a laugh and a giggle.”
“She loved the ocean and all that it contained. Most of all, [she was] surfing as soon as she could stand.“It was in her nature to go out of her way to make others happy, making sure no-one misses out, as well as being a champion for the underdog.”
