Darren Southon and his son Joshua died while diving off the Wairarapa coast. Photo / Facebook
Darren Southon and his son Joshua died while diving off the Wairarapa coast. Photo / Facebook
The community is rallying to support a woman who lost half of her young family in a tragic snorkelling accident off the coast of Wairarapa.
Darren Southon and his 11-year-old son Joshua had been snorkelling for pāua near Mataikona, north of Castlepoint, when they failed to return to shore last month.
The family held out hope through a near two-day vigil during the search for the pair.
But police divers found the body of the 48-year-old and his boy on January 11.
A Givealittle page has been created to support Southon's grieving widow who also has to cope with the "sledgehammer blow of losing their main source of income".
"By donating, you can help Lisa to pick up the pieces, so she has resources to help herself and her daughter to get through the loss of the two very respected and loving males in their lives."
There had been an "overwhelming outpouring of love" for Lisa and her daughter.
Darren Southon and his son Joshua died while diving off the Wairarapa coast. Photo / Facebook
"Your donation will assist with the costs ACC do not meet and give Lisa a chance to recover before she has to return to full-time employment to cover the costs of living."
At the time of the tragedy Southon's brother Joe released a statement through police commemorating the beloved pair.
"Darren was an adventurous, fun-loving man, who was a giant kid at heart," he said.
"He was a bit of a joker, who also had a serious side to him."
He had loved cycling, was passionate about his work as a builder and was well respected within the local Wairarapa community.
Joe Southon said his nephew Joshua adored his father and loved hanging out with him, whether the pair be cycling, motorbike riding or splitting wood together.
"Joshua was a chip off the old block, just like his dad, he gave everything a go, he was a competent young boy at everything he put his hand to."
