Tribute has been paid to the 15-year-old son of the owner of one of WA’s biggest adventure travel companies after he drowned in the remote Kimberley.
Jack Avenell’s body was pulled from Prince Regent River, about 250km north-east of Derby, just after 3pm on Thursday.
The teenager could not be revived.
Jack is the son of True North Adventure Cruises owner and managing director Chad Avenell, who runs itineraries along the Kimberley coastline including on the Prince Regent River.
It is understood the Scotch College student was on a True North cruise when he drowned.
“A tragic accident occurred during a Kimberley excursion on Thursday 16th April 2026, resulting in the death of a teenager,” a True North spokesperson told The West. “We are grateful for the efforts of the crew, emergency services, and those present in responding to the accident. We thank them for their support.“Our focus is now on supporting the family, whose loss is immeasurable.”
Family and friends paid tribute to Jack on social media.
“Forever 15 and forever my little brother, we love you Jacky,” his sister Lily Avenell posted on Instagram.
Photos of Jack show him enjoying time on boats and surfing with his friends and family.
Harry Howson, the son of True North co-owner Craig Howson, said “you have always been a little brother to me”.
“Those 15 years with you will never be forgotten and I will always cherish what we had, your friendship, and you being a second brother to me,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I’m going to forever miss the best person, the most enthusiastic and keen young fella ever. Missing you so much and wish you well brother and I will forever miss you.”
The Howsons and Avenells regularly take overseas trips together and have many of their children working on the True North.
A group of six of Jack’s friends made an Instagram reel compiling videos of Jack often by the water or enjoying adventure.
“This has been the hardest thing I have had to go through, it’s not easy to think that I will never get to see you again,” the friends wrote.
“I wish I had ONE last hug, ONE last sleepover and ONE last trip with you before you left me. You were the brightest young boy who had a world full of surprises.
“The only thing that is getting me through this is knowing that you were doing something you LOVED. Being on True North … surrounded by people that you loved and loved you.
“Brudda you will occupy the largest part of my heart forever and ever and I hope you know we are all looking up to you.”
WA Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and a report would be prepared for the Coroner.
