An 18-year-old university student who fell to his death from a mountain range was an experienced climber who ‘died doing what he loved’.
Peter Garlick fell while climbing Mt Ngungun, the sixth-tallest peak in the Glass House Mountains in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, on Saturday.
Several traumatised onlookers watched on as he plunged about 40 metres down the cliff face about midday, suffering fatal injuries in the fall.
Mr Garlick was studying teaching at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane and was a well liked and respected member of the school’s rock climbing club, the QUT Cliffhangers.
Peter Garlick fell while climbing Mt Ngungun, the sixth-tallest peak in the Glass House Mountains in Queensland ‘s Sunshine Coast hinterland, on Saturday
An 18-year-old university student who fell to his death from a mountain range was an experienced climber who ‘died doing what he loved’
He regularly adventured throughout southeast Queensland and New South Wales on the hunt for the best mountains to climb, and had an exceptional talent.
Mr Garlick was so invested in the sport that he even took a job at Urban Climb in West End, who stayed shut on Sunday to mourn the loss of their team member.
Other Urban Climb franchises across the Sunshine State closed at 3pm on Sunday to pay their respects.
‘Loved by everyone and he will be missed so deeply,’ one friend said after learning of his death. ‘You could never forget that smile.’
Leadership organisation BB Queensland also shared a touching tribute to the 18-year-old on Sunday.
Mr Garlick was studying teaching at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane and was a well liked and respected member of the school’s rock climbing club, the QUT Cliffhangers
He regularly adventured throughout southeast Queensland and New South Wales on the hunt for the best mountains to climb, and had an exceptional talent
‘Peter, an avid and experienced climber, was doing what he loved,’ they wrote. They urged followers and friends to pray for Mr Garlick and his family.
His former high school, Northside Christian College, described Mr Garlick as ‘effervescent and joyful’ in their tribute to the late alumni.
‘The Garlick family have all been an integral part of Northside Christian College for many years, and we mourn alongside them today.’
‘He will always be remembered for his effervescent and joyful personality, as well as being a truly kind, humble follower of Jesus.’
‘Peter, an avid and experienced climber, was doing what he loved,’ a friend wrote. He has been remembered as a highly skilled climber
An 18-year-old has died after falling 40metres at Mt Ngungun in in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland on Saturday (pictured, the rescue operation)
Sunshine Coast Senior Sergeant Jimmy Driver said it was a ‘harrowing’ incident witnessed by others.
He said the coordinator of a nearby rock climbing group provided first aid to Garlick before paramedics arrived.
‘The mountain this afternoon was extremely busy. It was a harrowing event,’ the officer told The Courier Mail.
‘People were shaken and traumatised by the incident which occurred well in view of multiple people.’
Martin Worth, who has been climbing for more than three decades and was at Mount Ngungun on Saturday morning, said while he did not witness the incident, the teenager was an experienced climber.
Mt Ngungun was closed for the afternoon while emergency services worked to recover the body.
Mr Garlick was so invested in the sport that he even took a job at Urban Climb in West End, who stayed shut on Sunday to mourn the loss of a team member
Mt Ngungun, the sixth-tallest peak in the Glass House Mountains, was closed while the man’s body was recovered
