An Australian man in his 20s sadly passed away after he suddenly collapsed at a fitness retreat, and his relatives have since paid their respects.
Joshua Powell, 27, was participating in The Commander's Passage, a personal and leadership development retreat near Currumundi Lake on October 13.
The shocking incident unfolded as he collapsed during a training session, leaving those in attendance in a state of distress. Despite frantic efforts by fellow participants to locate a defibrillator, Joshua could not be revived, as reported by Sunshine Coast Daily.
The circumstances surrounding Joshua's untimely passing remain unknown, with no clear cause of death discernible at this time. He has since been described as "fit and healthy".
However, it is noted that there is no indication of any misconduct or wrongdoing by the retreat organizers or any individuals involved.
The Commander's Passage, an exclusive Sunshine Coast retreat focusing on personal and leadership development, was founded by Army veteran Curtis Tofa. The event, known for its intensive exercises and drills, comes with a price tag of $10,000 for a three-day experience.
In a touching tribute, family and friends gathered for a memorial service in Berwick on Friday to honor Joshua's memory. His younger brother, Nehemiah Powell, shared his heartfelt sentiments, highlighting the unique bond they shared.
Speaking to the Sunshine Coast Daily, Nehemiah said: "We were opposites in many ways, but it feels like I've lost my other half. We worked together in many things. He would generally lead the way and would dream of what he wanted to achieve, and I would follow and do the work to get it done."
Vanessa Powell, Joshua's mother, fondly remembered her son as "a friendly boy who grew to be a friendly man." She expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying: "He once said to me that not many people would come to his funeral, but if he could see the number of people here today, he would be shocked. I feel blessed I got to spend 27 years with him."
Vanessa, who has a background as a nurse, is diligently seeking answers. She shared: "We're trying to piece together all the information that has been given in the Coroner's report. They've told us everything, for which we're very grateful. [My being] a nurse for many years is trying to piece together the minutes, the why, and the how."
The loss of Joshua has left his loved ones and the community in mourning, with questions surrounding the circumstances of his passing yet to be answered.
Our thoughts go out to Joshua's loved ones during this difficult time.
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