The mother of an 18-year-old who drowned off a Sydney beach on the weekend has spoken of his tragic last words.
Anna Kolotukhina said she remembered her son Ivan Korolev as “shy” and “humble” who’s last few weeks of life were full of “happiness”.
Mr Korolev died at Freshwater Beach in Manly, in Sydney’s north, on Saturday night.
He had been going for a swim with friends at around 8pm.
His mates searched frantically in the water and continued their search on shore unsuccessfully before calling emergency services when he could not be found.
18-year-old Ivan Korolev who drowned at Freshwater Beach in Sydney. Picture: Supplied.
The teenager’s body was recovered in water off Freshwater Beach at 9.15am on Sunday.
A parkour and martial arts enthusiast, Mr Korolev had successfully enrolled in a sport and fitness course at the Australian Catholic University.
Talking to Channel 9, Ms Kolotukhina was in tears as she remembered her late son.
“Apart from being my son, he was my close friend,” she said.
“The sheer happiness he went through in the last few weeks was just unbelievable.”
Anna Kolotukhina remembered her son as “humble” and “shy” but full of happiness. Picture: Channel 9.
Last words
It remains unclear how Mr Korolev found himself in trouble after telling those around hime he was having such a good time.
“I was told he swam within a short distance of his friends and they were chatting and having fun,” said his mum.
“His last words were ‘I’m so relaxed now I’m ready to fall asleep’”.
“God works in unpredictable ways,” added Ms Kolotukhina. “He was ready”.
Ivan was a fan of martial arts and parkour. Picture: Supplied.
Last month, 31 people died in Australia through drowning despite there not being many major flooding events.
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High summer is often the peak time for drowning deaths in Australia. One in 10 deaths are from rescues gone wrong.
A memorial service will be held for Mr Korolev in manly next Saturday. His mum asked wellwishers to bring blue irises to remember her son.
Read related topics:Sydney