Former Wallabies player dies in Gold Coast beach tragedy
A man who drowned at Currumbin beach on the Gold Coast has been identified as former Wallabies and Queensland Reds player Mick Barry.
According to the Courier Mail, Dr Barry was pulled from the water on Friday morning but couldn’t be revived.
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The retired ear, nose and throat specialist was 77.
Dr Barry reportedly encountered difficulties while swimming at about 5.45am.
“He was rescued by onlookers who performed CPR until paramedics arrived,” the Courier Mail reported.
Former Wallabies and Reds halfback Mick Barry has died after being pulled from the water at Currumbin https://t.co/pU3iJ38yir
— The Courier-Mail (@couriermail) November 5, 2020
Queensland Police said Dr Barry suffered a medical episode and died at the scene.
Dr Barry was a prominent member of the community and a member of the local surf swimming group.
Jim Burdette, who was swimming with Dr Barry when he got into trouble, said the community is in shock.
“Everyone is shocked. The whole local community,” he said, according to Nine News.
“He touched a lot of people in the sporting world and in the medical world.”
The former halfback debuted for Queensland in 1966 and represented Australia in one Test match against South Africa in 1971.
He also played for the Junior Wallabies against the British Lions and the All Blacks.
Tributes flow after death of Mick Barry
Sports writer Wayne Smith led the tributes on social media.
“Very sad news that Mick Barry, who played for Australia against the Boks in 1971, drowned this morning on the Gold Coast,” Smith wrote on Twitter.
“Would have played a lot more times for Australia had it not been for a certain John Hipwell.
“Was in the Queensland side which beat the British Lions in 1971.”
Very sad news that Mick Barry, who played for Australia against the Boks in 1971, drowned this morning on the Gold Coast. Would have played a lot more times for Australia had it not been for a certain John Hipwell. Was in the Queensland side which beat the British Lions in 1971.
— Wayne Keith Smith (@WayneKeithSmith) November 5, 2020
Sad, sad day with the loss of popular, legendary local Currumbin identity and doctor, former Wallaby half-back Dr Mick Barry who suffered a medical episode in the surf this morning - loved by all....who will be sadly missed. Left us doing what he loved. RIP.. pic.twitter.com/lXN3RMf0P3
— Ian Hanson OAM (@hansonmedia) November 6, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Mick Barry and his family. #RugbyFamily #QueenslandReds #RedsRugby pic.twitter.com/y4hT5hGUo1
— rugby1st (@rugby1st) November 6, 2020
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