Latest news with #Luke
7NEWS
3 hours ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Tributes flow for Australian triathlon commentator Jay Luke: ‘This loss cuts deeply'
Tributes are flowing from across the globe after the unexpected death of much-loved Australian Jay Luke. Luke was a well-known commentator in the triathlon world and could often been seen and heard encouraging athletes as they crossed finish line. The charismatic caller — also known as the 'BondiBadBoy' — lived a globetrotting life, but was a respected member of the Ironman Wales commentary team. Only a week ago he flew into England, saying on his social media page: 'Goooood morning England! The Eagle has Landed! The Man on The Mic is BACK for some Super Summer Announcing Adventures.' Luke was the voice of the triathlon in Tenby (a seaside town in Wales), and Ironman UK broke the shattering news of his death. 'It breaks our hearts to share the devastating news that a dear member of our IRONMAN UK family has passed away,' the organisation said. 'Jay Luke, who has called thousands of athletes across the line during their IRONMAN journey over the past nine years, was part of the fabric of our team. His presence, humour, and unwavering support were felt by everyone lucky enough to know him. 'From the jokes, laughs, coffee missions and unmatched travelling cap collection to his infectious energy on the finish line, his absence leaves a huge hole in our hearts. We will carry his spirit in all we do. 'We are heartbroken, and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife, family, friends, and all who loved him. 'Rest in peace, Jay — it won't be the same without you.' Austriathlon said 'finish lines won't sound the same without Jay Luke'. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of hearing him call them home,' Austriathlon said. NSW Triathlon said the triathlon community had 'lost one of its finest'. 'We are heartbroken to share the devastating news of the passing of Jay Luke,' NSW Triathlon said. 'Jay was a cherished presence at triathlon and multisport events across NSW and Australia. From Club Champs to countless local and national races, he brought unmatched energy, quick wit, and a deeply genuine spirit to every finish line he called. 'More than just a voice, Jay was a true pillar of our community. His humour, kindness, and unwavering support lifted everyone around him — whether on the mic, out on a group ride, or behind the scenes. He made every event brighter, every athlete feel seen, and every moment more memorable. 'This loss cuts deeply. Words fall short, but his spirit will continue to echo in everything we do. 'Our hearts go out to his wife, family, friends, and the many whose lives he touched. We grieve with you. Rest peacefully, Jay. Thank you for everything — until we meet again.' Luke's commentating colleague Paul Kaye said it was 'tragic, devastating news'. 'Victory Alley won't quite be the same again,' Kaye said. 'Triathlon is a niche sport, and within that niche is a small family of announcers and DJs. 'This family lost one of its own.' Ironman photographer Huw Fairclough called Luke 'the entertainer with so much energy'. 'RIP Jay, going to miss you,' he said. Many athletes were also shocked and shattered. 'Jay was the life and soul of the red carpet and finish line and made race day very special for so many,' one athlete said. Another said: 'Jay was amazing, truly a one-of-a-kind person, events won't be the same without him.' Kirribilli running coach Bel Fong said it seemed 'unimaginable that we won't get to share another finish line' with Luke. 'If you didn't know Jay Luke, you would have more than likely heard him call your name over a microphone. He was there for countless triathlon finish lines .... 'Jay was such a character but most of all, he was a friend. Having know him for 10 years, he was always there for a laugh and a heckle. Man, did he love a heckle! He relished every opportunity to get on the mic and ask me in front of thousands of people if I'd found a boyfriend yet! 'But that's who he was. Jay knew everyone's name. He had the gift of the gab and made people laugh with his witty race day banter and light-hearted digs. Commentating is a tough job but he did it with such ease, humour and energy.'It feels strange that I can no longer send him a text, or ask him when he'll be announcing my next embarrassing dating anecdotes again. I'll miss the little 'Elite Energy Front Line' videos he used to make, getting everyone pumped up for race week. He had so many plans for the future and so much life left to live. It feels so unfair and is yet another reminder of how short life truly is.'I want to send all of my love and support to his wife, Paula (whom he loved with his whole being), as well as his training partners at Moore Performance and all of those who knew him.'Rest easy, Jay. I'II keep looking for you; out on the bike and at the next race, hoping to somehow feel your presence again.'
Extra.ie
8 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Luke's Law: Mum of Cork drowning victim campaigns to ban recording of tragic accidents
The family of a young man who drowned in the River Lee earlier in the month are campaigning for the recording of tragic accidents to be made illegal. Luke Hyde, 34, died after he got into difficulty while swimming in the north channel of the River Lee at Pope's Quay. A huge search and recovery operation was carried out, leading to the recovery of Luke's body. Luke Hyde, 34, died after he got into difficulty while swimming in the north channel of the River Lee at Pope's Quay. Pic: Tragically, video footage of Luke's final moments was recorded and shared on social media, with Cork TD Ken O'Flynn calling on legislation to be introduced to prohibit the act. Luke's devastated mum Elizabeth and his childhood friend KellyAnn are leading the campaign, with KellyAnn earlier in the week telling Katie Hannon on Upfront with Katie Hannon how emergency responders had to push people out of the way in order to do their job. She said: 'A member of the fire brigade, he said he'd never seen anything like it in his 44 years serving. He said it was absolutely frightening that people had to be pushed out of the way for emergency responders to step in to do their job.' @rteone "Not one person offered their help." Kelly Ann describes the day her childhood friend Luke died from drowning. She is campaigning for 'Luke's Law' to prohibit recording the scene of an accident. #RTEUpfront ♬ original sound – RTÉ One KellyAnn explained that they are currently campaigning for legislation on Luke's Law. 'It's a law that's actually in Germany,' she explained, 'It's just basically you could face one year imprisonment or a massive fine if you're on the scene of an accident recording and using it to be sending through social media channels and not offering help or whatever.' KellyAnn added that following her friend's death she took a walk down to Pope's Quay and noticed there was a life buoy 'within ten feet' of where he entered the water. @rteone "I can't get away from the vision of it… My beautiful son drowning, while they just videoed him." Luke Hyde's death was filmed and posted online. His mother Elizabeth is calling for legislation to put a stop to this. #RTEUpfront ♬ original sound – RTÉ One 'There's four along each side of the quay and I just can't believe that one wasn't taken off and thrown in,' she said. Elizabeth added that she doesn't think she can ever 'move on' from the loss of her child in such tragic circumstances. 'My child died without anyone trying to help,' she said tearfully, 'He could be here with me today if someone tried. It could've been a different story.' The Cork woman told Katie of how she had been trying to get through to Luke to see what time he would be home and when the phone was eventually answered it was a Garda. Living nearby and hearing the helicopters overhead, when the Garda answered Elizabeth realised the person the helicopter was looking for was her own son.
Sunday World
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Dad delivers heartfelt eulogy at funeral of his son (18) after Kerry swimming accident
Crowds gathered for the funeral of Luke Silles who died last Friday after a swimming accident on May 17 The sombre grey sky over Ballymacelligott on Wednesday morning was broken by the cherished and heartfelt words of a loving father for his son, Luke. Tony Silles performed the speech that no parent wants to make as he bravely captured Luke's unique personality before a packed church at Cloghar where outside the lines of mourners gathered to give Luke his final farewell and guard of honour. Tony spoke of preparing his eulogy by sitting at Luke's study desk in his bedroom, surrounded by his geography books, trying to find the inspiration for the hardest words a parent should have to write about their child. 'These are the same geography books Luke sat in our backyard with studying in the evening sun prior to his trip to Fenit,' he said. Luke 'The CBS Green family, under the leadership of Robert Flaherty, has proved to be one of the strongest communities outside of any parish I have experienced. During Luke's school days you only get snippets of the actual school life. Luke is a school character who found a way to interact with pupils of all ages along with all staff members. "For six years Luke was in the Green school, he filled the corridors and classrooms with an aura and presence that was reflected to us by staff members who showed us outgoing love, care, and support since Luke's accident,' he added. Tony spoke of Luke as always having a friendly nod, smile and simple hello for everyone who passed him. His deep love for family and home life were touched on. 'Luke was probably the coordinator of all activities going on in our household, except for getting out of bed which he delegated to his mom,' Tony joked. 'Anything happening regarding sporting or social activities, Luke would decide what parent goes where…The intercounty trips with Kerry games produced the most enjoyable chats and laughs, especially on the long journeys where often he liked a parking spot close to Croke Park. Then, it was home to watch The Sunday Game and he'd have mom organised to feed us on arrival,' he said. Guards of honour at the funeral of Luke Silles at St Brendan's Church, Clogher. News in 90 Seconds - May 28th 'Sporting activities were always at the top of his agenda. Even though he suffered a few long term injuries lately, he would readily check in on all his teams' performance and help in anyway possible on the day, especially for school teams where he would get a few hours away from the norm. Number one would be Ballymac GAA and being involved with players he grew up with. His passion for the blue and gold was evident every time he laced football boots. Playing football with the school and Castleisland District League were huge honours for Luke with silverware to show for both codes,' Tony said. 'From a young age, Luke also joined Tralee Dynamos soccer club. He played all ages before progressing on to senior teams with his highlight making the Kennedy Cup squad. The school also provided opportunities for him to play soccer, reaching a high level when winning the Munster U15 cup.' Tony said friendship and family values are what mattered most to Luke and were his strongest qualities. He mentioned Luke's 'special touch and gift' he had for dealing with people. The huge circle of friends Luke surrounded himself with was evidence of this trait. 'Luke could socialise for five nights in a row with five completely different groups of companions. There was little said about the female friends but going on the last week and support there was no shortage,' Tony joked. 'Since the dreaded phone call no parent wants to get on the wonderfully fine Saturday evening, our lives have been turned upside down. The support to all of us has been nothing but overwhelming. From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank everyone who contributed and helped in any way at a time of most need. Over the coming weeks we will express our gratitude directly to all,' he said. 'I must acknowledge the care that Luke received from the people who rescued him. To the paramedics, both off duty at Fenit and those who arrived at the scene, and the teams in A&E and ICU at University Hospital Kerry. They did everything in their power to give Luke the best care and every possible chance of survival,' Tony said. "Unfortunately, it wasn't to be and now we have to deal with the unimaginable and where life will take us next. Having a presence in every chapter of our children's lives, trying to write new chapters without him seems impossible. I hope Luke's shining light can guide us as we navigate life without him and give his wonderful mother, Paula, brother, Oran, and sister, Aimee, the strength and resilience to keep going during these devastating days. May his gentle soul rest in peace. We love you, Luke. Always.'
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
APM team snares 12-ft-long king cobra in bathroom of unoccupied Selangau PPRT house
Handout photo shows APM personnel with the captured king cobra. SELANGAU (May 28): A king cobra measuring 3.65 metres long (12 feet) and weighing 8kg was captured inside an unoccupied Hardcore Poor Housing Project (PPRT) unit at Rumah Tandang in Dijih here this morning, after having first been spotted last week. Selangau Civil Defence Force (APM) officer Luke Douglas Dongum said they received a call at 8.15am from the longhouse chief that the reptile had made its way into the bathroom of the unit. 'A team was immediately dispatched to the location, arriving 21 minutes later. Upon entering the bathroom, APM personnel took about 30 minutes to capture the cobra,' he said in a statement. He said the snake was later transported far away from populated areas and released back into the wild. According to Luke, the residents informed the APM team that they had spotted the same cobra in the vicinity of the PPRT unit last week, but that it quickly disappeared when they tried to catch it. He advised those living in rural areas or adjacent to jungles to remain cautious and avoid direct encounters with dangerous wildlife, especially venomous snakes. 'Report any sighting to the relevant authorities. Do not attempt to deal with such animals without proper training or equipment,' he said. King cobras (Ophiophagus hannah), the world's longest venomous snakes and among the heaviest, have been listed as 'Vulnerable' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List since 2010. In Sarawak, the king cobra is listed as a protected animal under the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998. APM king cobra Selangau snake snare
Irish Independent
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘We love you, Luke. Always' – Kerry father's Funeral tribute to cherished son
Tony Silles performed the speech that no parent wants to make as he bravely captured Luke's unique personality before a packed church at Cloghar where outside the lines of mourners gathered to give Luke his final farewell and guard of honour. Tony spoke of preparing his eulogy by sitting in Luke's study desk in his bedroom, surrounded by his geography books, trying to find the inspiration for the hardest words a parent should have to write about their child. 'These are the same geography books Luke sat in our backyard with studying in the evening sun prior to his trip to Fenit,' he said. 'The CBS Green family, under the leadership of Robert Flaherty, has proved to be one of the strongest communities outside of any parish I have experienced. During Luke's school days you only get snippets of the actual school life. Luke is a school character who found a way to interact with pupils of all ages along with all staff members. "For six years Luke was in the Green school, he filled the corridors and classrooms with an aura and presence that was reflected to us by staff members who showed us outgoing love, care, and support since Luke's accident,' he added. Tony spoke of Luke as always having a friendly nod, smile and simple hello for everyone who passed him. His deep love for family and home life were touched on. 'Luke was probably the coordinator of all activities going on in our household, except for getting out of bed which he delegated to his mom,' Tony joked. 'Anything happening regarding sporting or social activities, Luke would decide what parent goes where…The intercounty trips with Kerry games produced the most enjoyable chats and laughs, especially on the long journeys where often he liked a parking spot close to Croke Park. Then, it was home to watch The Sunday Game and he'd have mom organised to feed us on arrival,' he said. 'Sporting activities were always at the top of his agenda. Even though he suffered a few long term injuries lately, he would readily check in on all his teams' performance and help in anyway possible on the day, especially for school teams where he would get a few hours away from the norm. Number one would be Ballymac GAA and being involved with players he grew up with. His passion for the blue and gold was evident every time he laced football boots. Playing football with the school and Castleisland District League were huge honours for Luke with silverware to show for both codes,' Tony said. 'From a young age, Luke also joined Tralee Dynamos soccer club. He played all ages before progressing on to senior teams with his highlight making the Kennedy Cup squad. The school also provided opportunities for him to play soccer, reaching a high level when winning the Munster U15 cup.' Tony said friendship and family values are what mattered most to Luke and were his strongest qualities. He mentioned Luke's 'special touch and gift' he had for dealing with people. The huge circle of friends Luke surrounded himself with was evidence of this trait. 'Luke could socialise for five nights in a row with five completely different groups of companions. There was little said about the female friends but going on the last week and support there was no shortage,' Tony joked. 'Since the dreaded phone call no parent wants to get on the wonderfully fine Saturday evening, our lives have been turned upside down. The support to all of us has been nothing but overwhelming. From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank everyone who contributed and helped in any way at a time of most need. Over the coming weeks we will express our gratitude directly to all,' he said. 'I must acknowledge the care that Luke received from the people who rescued him. To the paramedics, both off duty at Fenit and those who arrived at the scene, and the teams in A&E and ICU at University Hospital Kerry. They did everything in their power to give Luke the best care and every possible chance of survival,' Tony said. "Unfortunately, it wasn't to be and now we have to deal with the unimaginable and where life will take us next. Having a presence in every chapter of our children's lives, trying to write new chapters without him seems impossible. I hope Luke's shining light can guide us as we navigate life without him and give his wonderful mother, Paula, brother, Oran, and sister, Aimee, the strength and resilience to keep going during these devastating days. May his gentle soul rest in peace. We love you, Luke. Always.'
