Southern 80 ski race event: Man killed at Echuca water sport competition

Man killed in waterskiing raceSouthern 80 ski race being held near Echuca 

A man has been killed while waterskiing in the annual Southern 80 ski race on the Murray River near the Victoria-NSW border.

Emergency services were called to an area near Perricoota Road, Echuca-Moama, about 10am on Sunday following reports a man had been seriously injured.

On arrival, Victoria Ambulance paramedics located a man who had died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

In a statement, Moama Water Sports Club president Steve Shipp said the skier, who was competing in the race, fell and could not be revived.

A man has been killed while waterskiing in the annual Southern 80 ski race on the Murray River near the Victoria-NSW border (stock image)

‘Racing was immediately suspended and since been cancelled,’ Mr Shipp said.

‘The club is co-operating with NSW Police and Transport for NSW – Maritime, in their investigation into the incident.

‘As a ski racing family we are here to support the affected family and team members as well the wider ski racing community in this terribly sad time.’

It is understood the incident occurred within only about an hour of the event getting underway on Sunday.

Officers attached to Murray River Police District have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information into the incident or video footage is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.