A kayaker has died following a medical emergency on the Brisbane River at West End early this morning.
Emergency services were called to Hill End Terrace near the South Brisbane Sailing Club at approximately 5.40am on 15 October, where they found a man in his 50s who had fallen into the water.
Queensland Ambulance confirmed the man had suffered a medical episode and was submerged for a period of time before being pulled from the riverbank around 6.30am. Despite CPR being administered, he could not be revived.
The incident has deeply affected the local water sports community, with witnesses gathering outside the South Brisbane Sailing Club in the aftermath. One person at the scene confirmed they had lost a friend.
Multiple emergency services crews attended the incident, with police transporting a kayak from the scene. Queensland Police have classified the death as non-suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.
The tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks associated with solo water activities, even for experienced paddlers in familiar waters.
Published 15-October-2025
