Mum-of-four is killed in accident at water skiing competition

Devastated friends of a talented water skier who died in a freak accident say they feel ‘gut-punched’ over the death of the beloved mother-of-four.

Amy Hockley, 49, died after a high-speed boat crash on the Clarence River at Seelands, just west of Grafton in NSW‘s Northern Rivers region, on Saturday. 

Ms Hockley had been competing in the Ski Racing Australia Queensland State Titles on the weekend with events on Sunday cancelled after her death.

Emergency crews including air ambulance paramedics treated the water skier for extensive injuries but she could not be revived and died at the scene. 

Dozens of people have shared heartfelt tributes to the mother-of-four.

‘On Saturday I lost my second mum Amy Hockley, a dedicated and passionate woman that proved age is just a number,’ one woman wrote. 

‘We are going to miss you. Rest in peace.’

‘I was gut-punched by the sad news that one of my former students – from back in 2014 – and someone that I was in absolute awe of for her tenacity and lust for life, was taken in a tragic waterskiing accident,’ a second shared. 

‘Amy Hockley – I honestly can’t believe that you’re gone my friend. I hope you’re in peace knowing that you have left an indelible mark on this world and an example to all of us of how we can embrace the cliché, by living life to the fullest.’ 

Another woman said she was ‘shattered’ by the loss of her friend.

‘I’m shattered. I’m shattered for your kids and husband. You were a champion. I admired your ambition and strength. A serious warrior,’ she said. 

‘You never know what’s around the corner. So in pure ‘Amy style’, stay true to yourself, speak the truth and live life to the fullest.’

Another said Ms Hockley’s legacy would live on through her children. 

‘May your legacy live on through the four beautiful offspring who I know are proud of their Mumma for who she was and stood for!’ she wrote. 

‘Australia has lost one of a kind and I’m surely going to miss our banter and will hold very fond memories knowing that we have walked an almost identical life path through the decades!’

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Ms Hockley had competed at a championship level in water skiing and had previously entered body-building competitions. 

Ski Racing Australia said it was continually reassessing what was in the best interest of the sport in a statement shared on Saturday. 

‘The board of Ski Racing Australia in consultation with state association delegates wish to advise that all event sanctions are withdrawn due to recent on water incidents until further notice,’ the organisation said. 

‘This decision is effective immediately and means that racing will not proceed on Sunday 9th June at the South Australian State Titles and the Queensland State Titles.

‘This decision is made to ensure that we continue to elevate all the safety aspects of our sport to protect our members, and in respect for those families involved.’

Coffs-Clarence Police District detectives and officers from the NSW Police Marine Area Command are investigating the crash. 

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.