Police are appealing for public assistance to identify witnesses following the death of a man in hospital after being pulled from the water on the Central Coast last month.
About 5.45pm on Friday 20 October 2023, emergency services were called to Terrigal Haven, following reports of a man unconscious in the water.
Police were told the 51-year-old man was scuba diving with a friend before the weather changed and they returned to shore. The man attempted to climb onto the rocks when he was hit by a large wave causing him to slip and hit his head, falling back into the water.
An unknown member of the public entered the water on his surfboard and retrieved the man before bringing him to shore, where CPR was performed until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.
The man was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition; however, police were notified he died in hospital a few days later.
Detectives attached to Brisbane Water Police District are investigating the matter on behalf of the Coroner and are asking for the community to assist in identifying the surfer who came to the man's aid, as he may be able to assist with their inquiries.
As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Gosford Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
