The grieving family of a 22-year-old British tourist, who was discovered dead only days after being reported missing on the Australian Gold Coast, have described him as the ‘kindest soul’.
Earlier this week, police launched an urgent appeal after Lewis Jack from Glasgow went missing, last being seen in Surfers Paradise on Saturday night.
Sadly, yesterday Queensland Police confirmed his body was found in the water near the Isle of Capri on Tuesday at around 7.40pm (local time).
It is understood detectives believe the 22-year-old fell into the water and drowned. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
His heartbroken family and friends have since released touching tributes to the young man, whose ‘smile would light up any room’.
Organised by Toni-Lee Donelly, a GoFundMe has been set up on behalf of Lewis’ family to help bring him home to Scotland following his tragic death.
The fundraiser said the young man was the ‘kindest soul’, ‘deeply loved’ and would be ‘missed beyond words’.
‘Tragically, on Tuesday, 20th May 2025, we received the devastating confirmation that Lewis is no longer with us,’ it read.
Lewis Jack from Glasgow has been found deceased on the Australian Gold Coast days after being reported missing
His family have released touching tributes to the young man whose ‘smile would light up any room’
‘Lewis was one of the kindest souls – his smile could light up any room, and his warmth and humour touched everyone he met. He is deeply loved and will be missed beyond words by all who knew him.
‘This GoFundMe has been set up to help bring Lewis home to Scotland and support his family with the funeral costs.
‘Every donation, no matter the size, means the world to us and will go directly toward repatriation and funeral arrangements.
‘From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support during this incredibly difficult time.’
His grieving grandmother, Margaret Mooney, described Lewis as a ‘beautiful grandson’ while sharing the tragic news to her social media.
‘It is with a broken heart that I have to say my beautiful grandson has sadly been found. Thank you for all the lovely words and the shares,’ she said.
‘R.I.P Lewis Jack, forever 22. Love you loads.’
His friend Gemma Robertson spoke of her disbelief in the wake of Lewis’s sudden death in her tribute to the young man who would ‘never be forgotten’.
His grieving grandmother, Margaret Mooney, described him as a ‘beautiful grandson’ while sharing the news on social media
‘I can’t believe that am actually posting this. Lewis can’t believe your gone, the worst news, you’ll never be forgotten. Fly high,’ she wrote.
Another pal, Kayleigh Crainey, penned a heartfelt message, which read: ‘Sleep tight Lewis, until we meet again. Your smile would light up any room.’
Fiona Prude described Mr Jack as a ‘beautiful young man’.
‘My heart breaks for all Lewis’s family. I wish we could wrap you all in our arms, more so I wish we could have gotten Lewis safely back to you.’
It is understood Mr Jack caught an Uber from Cavill Avenue – the heart of Gold Coast’s nightlife – back to near his accommodation on Chevron Island but did not make it.
He was last seen walking on Gibraltar Drive which runs alongside the Nerang River.
A FCDO Spokesperson said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Australia and are in contact with the local authorities.’
