SKYLARKING turned to tragedy at the weekend when Troy Scott was thrown off the jet-ski he was riding and under a boat at the mouth of the Coomera River.

Mr Scott, 22, turned his jet-ski hard to spray the nearby Bayliner boat, which his friends were on, with water.

But a wave threw him into the river, before he was dragged under the boat and into the propeller about 5.45pm on Saturday.

Horrified friends pulled him from the water and got him to shore at Paradise Point, where emergency crews were waiting.

He was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital but could not be saved.

Mr Scott’s family, who were yesterday struggling to come to terms with the loss, remembered him as a fun-loving man who had a passion for sport.

His mother, Sarah, told the story about receiving the shock telephone call while she was in the hospital visiting another relative.

“My heart sank,” she said.

“Troy was a beautiful young man and a barrel of fun for everyone.

“He was known for his sarcasm, his weird laugh, and his fluoro clothes.

“We already miss his cheeky grin.

“We’re a very tight-knit family and everyone is devastated.”

Mr Scott, a welding apprentice, had only just purchased the jet-ski after being approved for the loan last month.

Dozens of tributes were put up on social media yesterday by Mr Scott’s grieving friends.

“The nicest guy ever, he definitely had a big impact on everyone’s life,” one friend said.

“I can’t believe something so tragic could happen to such an amazing guy,” said another.

Others said he was “truly missed” and would always be in “everyone’s heart”.

“Taken too soon, still can’t fathom the news your family and the so many mates you had have just heard,” a message read on Facebook.

A memorial was organised on Saturday night at his favourite place — The Spit — and candles were laid out in the shape of a cross by close friends.

Mr Scott grew up on the Gold Coast, attending Mudgeeraba State School and Palm Beach Currumbin High School.

Mrs Scott remembered his love of motocross and soccer, while also saying he was saving up to become a pilot.

“If he said he’d do something, he would go out and do it,” she said.

“I already miss my boy.”

Early funeral plans are under way, but no date has been set because Graham Scott, Troy’s brother, is in Canada.

Mrs Scott said the family was struggling to find funds for his flight.

Article by Shaya Lauglin Gold Coast News