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The body of a 15-year-old boy has been found at a NSW beach days after the teenager was swept off the rocks.
Luca Bennett was one of three boys who was knocked into the ocean by a wave at North Avoca Beach on the state’s central coast on Christmas Eve.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains the name and image of a person who is deceased.
Two of the boys managed to swim to the shore before the search started for their friend who had failed to resurface.
Police and surf life savers scoured the coastline on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and were faced with choppy surf conditions.
This morning emergency services were called to the beach at midday after reports the body had been found.
Police said there is now a mission to recover the body “believed to be that of the missing boy”.
In a statement posted to social media today, his mother Michelle Bennett said “our beautiful Luca J has been found”.
“Dolphins were circling North Avoca rocks since 5am this morning,” she wrote.
“The ocean lifted him up onto the rocks.
“The incredible team from our surf clubs, police and marine rescue, paramedics are retrieving him for us.
“We can’t ever begin to explain our immense gratitude to them and all of our family, friends and community. We love you.”
Bennett’s basketball team, the Central Coast Rebels, paid tribute to the 15-year-old yesterday.
“Luca Bennett was one of our own. He was a baller. A Rebel,” the team said in a statement.
“Luca was a friend, a teammate, a role model, and a proud Indigenous athlete.
“Luca had a cheeky twinkle in his eye and a boisterous laugh.
“He was always ready to open his arms wide for a hug.”
