Tony Scaturchio speaks on his sons fatal jetski crash
THE father of a jet-skier who died competing in the Gold Coast yesterday has urged riders to stay safe on the water.
Joseph Scaturchio died at the Gold Coast during the Australian Watercross Championships.
Joseph Scaturchio, 22, died after his jet ski crashed into other riders during one of the last rounds of the Australian Watercross National Championships.
His father, Tony Scaturchio, who is also the president of the Victorian Jet Sport Boating Association, said Joseph was the “perfect son”.
“We still don’t believe it happened,” Mr Scaturchio told the Herald Sun this morning.
“We all know the risks but don’t think its going to happen but now it has.
“We’re not at that point in time where we want to say what happened or what might’ve happened, it’s just one of those things that shouldn’t have happened but did.”
Mr Scaturchio was competing in the professional rounds of the event when he crashed about 2.30pm. Paramedics treated him at the scene but he could not be revived.
The end of the event was cancelled following the incident.
Mr Scaturchio said while the tragedy came out of a racing incident, it should be a message for recreational users to obey the law.
“We’re pretty keen jet-skiers, and I know the media hype has gone round with recent incidences but you can’t relate this to what happens on the public waters. But, I do stress that everyone obey the rules of the water. They’re there for a reason and as long as everyone abides by those laws then we shouldn’t have any incidents on the water that result in people’s injuries or death,” he said.
“When people don’t obey them to the utmost then incidents will happen.”
Mr Scaturchio, who’s younger son Simon, 17, also jet-skis, said Joseph started in the sport young before competing internationally.
He said Joseph was competing in a race in 2009 when a similar tragedy happened.
“I’m not saying he cheated death but the accident happened behind him and the fellow was struck and died in his race,” he said.
Mr Scaturchio said he was touched by the tributes flowing in on social media.
Online tributes said Joseph’s life was one of “amazing moments”.
Shawn Alladio from K38 International expressed his grief to the family, friends and racing community.
“Joey’s enthusiasm and spirit are a great contribution to our PWC community and we are deeply touched for all he did to bring up the level of competition for the sport that he and his family love so much. We thank you Joey for being on the line with us,” Mr Alladio said on social media.
One friend said Joseph would never be forgotten.
“It was a privilege growing up with you, the laughs we had will never be forgotten. I can’t believe it was only last week you were here with us and we were making jokes about the nonni,” the friend said on Facebook.
“RIP Joey you will be missed by many i love u so much i hope you lived an amazing 22 years your always going to be my brother your always going to be in my heart your in a safe place now rest in peace Xoxoxo,” said another on a tribute site.
Australian Jet Sport Boating Association secretary Mandy Brown said it was the worst day of their lives.
“Everyone’s just incredibly shocked,” she told the Courier Mail.
“Joseph was a magnificent young man and a very accomplished rider who had won many races, including overseas. He’ll be sorely missed.”
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