Moore River drowning: Tshering Penjor identified as ‘kind’ father and husband who died in Guilderton

A 38-year-old man who tragically died in a school holiday drowning was trying to save a young relative, it has been revealed, as he is remembered as a “kind and hardworking” father and husband. Tshering Penjor — a member of WA’s Bhutanese community — drowned while on a family outing at Moore River, in Guilderton, after slipping off a sandbank and falling into the water along with six other family members about 10.45am on Tuesday. All seven were pulled from the water by bystanders before emergency services arrived. Mr Penjor was unresponsive and CPR was commenced, but he could not be saved and died at the scene. The six other swimmers — four children and two adults — were also treated at the scene by St John WA and taken to hospital for treatment. All four children — three of which are under the age of 10, and one who is in their early teens — and a man, aged in his 40s, were taken to Joondalup Health Campus. They have all since been discharged. A woman, aged in her 30s, was also rushed to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital under lights and sirens. The Association of Bhutanese in Perth president Kinley Tenzin said the tragedy unfolded when Mr Penjor jumped into the river to save his young relative after she fell into the water. Mr Penjor’s 13-year-old then jumped in in a desperate attempt to save the pair. “The 13-year-old, his daughter, also jumped in to save that girl and that’s how the incident escalated,” Mr Tenzin told The West. “Luckily I heard that there was a boat passing by and then they were saved, but unfortunately they were not able to save (Mr Penjor).” Mr Tenzin said he was “shocked” by the incident and said Moore River was a popular holiday destination for the local Bhutanese community. “(Drownings) shouldn’t be happening to other communities, but unfortunately, the tragic incident happened in our community,” he said. “We are all shocked . . . we are really sad with situation and don’t have any words to describe the situation. “Most of the Bhutanese (community) goes to Moore River, but (a drowning) has not happened to our community so far.” Mr Tenzin said he was “overwhelmed” by the support from WA’s Bhutanese community, and extended his condolences to Mr Penjor’s family. “(I have received) lots of messages and calls to the association (of people) wanting to help financially,” he said. “They really want to support the family, and we all want to assure the family, ‘you are not alone, we are all here for you, we care for you, and we are going to stand strong for you’. “That’s the charm and beauty of the Bhutanese community — everybody comes together with a sense of belonging and pride.” Friend and colleague, Arshdeep Singh, has since set up a fundraiser for Mr Penjor’s family writing, “Tshering was kind and hardworking with dedication towards his others”. “He and his family are in need of our support in return,” he said in a post. “He has left behind his wife and 13 years old Daughter (sic). “His family and friends are experiencing an unimaginable loss which cannot be fulfilled.” In a statement on Wednesday, Gingin Shire president Linda Balcombe expressed her condolences and said the tragedy had been felt by the entire community. “On behalf of Council, Shire staff, and the wider community, I wish to convey our heartfelt sympathy to the victim’s family, friends and all those impacted by this devastating loss,” she said. “I would also like to extend my best wishes to the six other swimmers involved in the incident who are still recovering and receiving treatment. “I would also like to acknowledge and thank the first responders and community members who acted with courage and compassion at the scene. “Their efforts in such distressing circumstances are deeply appreciated.” Ms Balcombe said WA Police were investigating the incident, and requested “that the investigation be allowed to progress without any speculation”. “The Shire does not intend to provide any further comment at this time,” she said. “The Shire of Gingin stands alongside our community in mourning this loss, and we will continue to offer support where possible.” Guilderton, located at the mouth of Moore River, is a popular camping destination about 85km north of Perth. Parts of the river are surrounded by large sand dunes, making it a popular spot for sand-boarding. It is not patrolled by any lifeguards. Surf Life Saving WA general manager Chris Peck described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” and said he was not aware of the circumstances surrounding the drowning. He urged people to have “appropriate swimming and water survival skills” when visiting WA waterways. “SLSWA extends its sincere sympathies to the individual and family involved in this terrible tragedy,” he said on Wednesday. “Our message to everyone is to choose your location carefully and, before entering the water, assess the conditions against your own capabilities. “Once assessed, take appropriate caution and actions that will improve your own own and your family’s/friends’ safety.” Mr Peck said drownings were four times more likely to occur during peak holiday periods.