Rhiannon Ingle
A father-of-three tragically died while rescuing his child and his heartbreaking last words have since been revealed.
Earlier this month (14 January), Warren 'Wazza' Laing was swimming with his family at Middleton Beach in Albany, Australia, when he noticed his daughter, Miley, struggling in the water.
Warren was thankfully able to get the 14-year-old to a position where she could make her own way safely back to shore but he, unfortunately, didn't make it and was taken under by a wave.
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His sister-in-law, Alisia Coyne, has since opened up to 7News about his tragic final words to his teenage daughter.
"He told her, 'You need to let go — Miley, let go of my hand'," she said. "He managed to get her out and then disappeared."
She added that one of two 'angels' who were walking by at the time managed to pull Warren's body to shore before attempting first aid.
St John paramedics later took Waren to Albany Hospital but he sadly could not be revived, with police saying his death is not being treated as suspicious.
The grieving family are currently waiting for tests to determine whether he had an underlying health condition that may have had an affect on his chances of getting himself out of danger.
A GoFundMe has since been set up by Alisia to 'ensure our hero is given a send off as equal to the man that he was when he was alive' where Warren is being remembered as an 'amazing' father to Amber, 24, Miley, 14, and son Zack, 17, as well as a loving partner to Rennae, who he had shared an 18-year relationship with.
It reads: "Warren was, as everyone knew, an amazing dad to his three children and an a loving partner to his beautiful Rennae such a hard worker and provider for his family.
"He was the heart and soul of the family. Helping out with his Niece and nephew, grandparents, parents and anyone he could. He brought happiness and laughter to everyone who knew him or met him. He was a character our Wazza."
Alisia continued: "Wazza loved the water and if you didn't find him at the local pool, you found him down the beach with the kids, nieces and nephews included.
"Wazza passed away tragically on that day saving his beautiful daughter Miley-Jayde from a rip at Middleton Beach. He died a hero and he will always be remembered as so.
"Wazza was the provider for his family and now, with him gone, Rennae and the children need support to help give Wazza the send off he truly deserves and help get through the next few months."
The fundraiser has so far raised $3,175 AUD of its $20,000 goal.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677