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Wayne Urina's daughter, a two year old toddler drowned in Madi River yesterday 20th March in Kokoda: Many of our regular visitors to this website will have heard of Wayne Urina, one of our guides and renowned also as the second fastest man on the track in 18:34 set in August 2008.
Wayne was the guide on Trek 622 who completed their walk at Owers' Corner on the 19th March. On the 20th March he flew back home via Popondetta along with other porters from this trek. During the afternoon whilst he was looking for transport to get back up to Kokoda, he received news on his mobile phone that his daughter had been swept away in the Madi River whilst playing with other children. Later her body was found downstream. Wayne's wife is the daughter of a store owner commonly referred to as 'Gribble's store. Madi River is not too far from the store.
Wayne managed to arrive in Kokoda last night and I spoke with him this morning. We both cried together as I heard from him what happened to his daughter. Her body is to be taken to Popondetta sometime today to the morgue. On Wednesday he will take her home to his village for burial.
He then asked me to look in the memory card of my camera he took on the track as there should be a photograph of his daughter taken at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.
Just now I found the photograph. No other photographs on the memory card of anyone else except trekkers and porters and the one of his daughter and an older child (refer pic below). I will now get this printed off and sent over to the family.
Waynes_daughter.jpg
Wayne_Urina.jpgMadi River: This photograph was taken when I visited Kokoda last year. Due to heavy rain, the river was up yesterday. No doubt the children should not have been playing there under such conditions, but kids will be kids!
Madi_River.jpgGail I do not know Wayne personally we like yourself have children now with grandchildren and know just how sad and hurting we would feel if this was to happen to our family.
Please pass on our condolences to Wayne and his family please do let him know that he and the family are in our prayers.
I am sure that I speak for all Kokoda Trekkers past, present and future in this regard.Brian and Maureen Beamish
Oh Gail :'(
Such a horrible tragedy to have happened under any circumstances. I pray that the Lord will be with Wayne & his family as they go through this difficult time. Please pass on our condolences to Wayne & his family.
Brooke & Earle
xxxxHi Brooke,
You met Wayne when you left Menari. You were walking down the new steps and Wayne and I were walking up to Menari. Just in case you don't remember.
He is a very friendly guy and goes out off his way for everyone. I feel for him and his family. Loosing a child would be the worst thing possible.
Shane
I read the sad news about Wayne's daughter today. In May last year my friend Dawn and I completed the Kokoda Trek and we were privelaged to have Wayne as our porter. Dawn and I both wish to pass on our condolences to Wayne and his family at this tragic time. Leanne Mahe & Dawn Rolfe
Dear Wayne,
So sorry to hear of your baby girl. Thinking of you and your family…
Regards Mikayla, James and kids
xx00
(although didn't at first)…
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