THE state coroner is investigating the death of a Padua College student whose body was found at The Pillars cliff jumping site at Mount Martha.
Sergeant Daniel Patton, of Mornington police, said the circumstances surrounding the 16-year-old’s death were unknown. He said it was unclear whether the Mornington boy was in or out of the water when he died overnight on Saturday 26 June.
The Pillars is on the Esplanade between Deakin Drive and Marguerita Avenue. Sources said the road was closed to traffic and a police helicopter was hovering overhead about 10.30am on the Saturday.
Padua principal Anthony Banks said on social media that it was “with great sadness that I inform you of the tragic death of Quinn Story in a drowning accident at Mount Martha on Friday night”.
“Quinn was a valued member of the Djeembana House community. He commenced year 7 at Padua College, Mornington Campus and, after attending other educational settings, returned this year to Padua for year 11 studies.
“Quinn was a talented musician and a creative songwriter and improviser who loved drama and skateboarding. He was a thoughtful and kind-hearted person.”
Mr Banks said the school was “aware that such news can have a significant effect on members of the college community and not only for those who knew Quinn personally”.
“It is important to remind ourselves to seek help from others when we feel sad or vulnerable,” he said.
“All members of our community should remain mindful of the privacy and feelings of Quinn’s family and friends, particularly in the appropriate use of social media, as some information may not be reliable or accurate.”
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 6 July 2021
