An online fundraiser has been set up for the seven-week-old daughter of champion water skier, Codie Rigg, who has tragically died in an incident on the Hawkesbury River at Wilberforce.
The world championship representative suffered critical injuries and was unable to be revived after hitting a log while skiing on the river on the afternoon of August 14.
Codie had been training behind the Greg Houston-owned racing boat Stinga in practice for this weekend's Hawkesbury 120 when the tragedy occurred.
Codie had recently celebrated the birth of daughter Hallie with fiance, Emma Binnie, and a Gofundme page set up on August 15 had raised more than $28,000 of its $30,000 target by Tuesday.
"We are trying to raise money to help Hallie in the future with schooling etc to help take a worry from those really struggling to come to terms with this horrible news," the statement on the page said.
"He will alway [sic] live on through his little girl and we want her to live her life to the fullest just like her dad did and would want her to."
Three others who were with Codie at the time of the incident escaped uninjured, police stated.
Among Codie's impressive achievements on the water include a third place at the 2013 world titles and a fifth place in 2017. He won the NZ bridge in 2018, the Diamond in 2015, and also took out first place at the European titles in 2014.
Tributes to the popular local have flowed on social media, with brother Daniel putting up a touching post to his "best mate".
"You were a superstar mate. Ski racing was your life and there was never going to be an option for you to fade quietly," Daniel posted. "You were determined to be the best. You rose through the ranks from you humble beginnings in 60mph to win some of the most prestigious races in the world.
"You have been my best friend since you were born. I treasure the time we had together growing up.
"It is so tragic you are gone well before your time. We all love you so much and we are so proud of all you accomplished.
"Goodbye little mate, we already miss you. Rest in peace."
Racing authorities from across the nation also passed on condolences, with Ski Racing Australia stating its board had been "deeply saddened" by the news.
"Ski Racing Australia extends its deepest sympathy to Codie's family, extended family and friends and ask their privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time," it stated.
Victoria's Moama Water Sports Club posted on Facebook that its "thoughts are with the Rigg and Binnie families, team members of Codie and the ski racing community" and the board of Ski Racing Victoria also extended its condolences to the families.
Both the Rigg and Binnie families encouraged people to help sweep the river before the Hawkesbury 120.
"We would like this in tribute to Codie to ensure everyone else is as safe as they can be," the families posted on social media.
"We have had so many people offer their help and support to us and we feel that the best thing anyone can do is to ensure the safety of others.
"We hold no animosity to racing and still wish the race to go on, but we want it to be as safe as possible."
Codie is survived by daughter Hallie and fiance Emma, as well as mum Terri, brother Daniel, his extended family and friends.
A memorial will be held at the Hawkesbury 120 this weekend for Codie.
- To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/hallie-riggs-future
