Sad story indeed Ron
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NICK Kastrappi’s passion for remote-controlled boating and unfamiliarity with the dangers of the River Torrens have cost him his life.His family have paid tribute to Mr Kastrappi, who drowned while righting his beloved remote-controlled boat in the River Torrens, west of the Morphett St bridge, about 2.20pm on Saturday.
Police water operations divers recovered the body of Mr Kastrappi, 51, of Netley, near the weir about 4.30pm.
Mr Kastrappi’s younger brother, Chris Kastrappi, said they had lost a loving family man who had a 30-year passion for remote-controlled boats and cars.
“(Nick) was easy-go-lucky with a good sense of humour,” he told The Advertiser yesterday.
“He was often the life of the party. He was never married and didn’t have children. He just enjoyed the simple life with friends and family.”
Despite some witness reports that Mr Kastrappi could not swim, Mr Kastrappi said his brother was capable in the water.
He said he may have been undone by his unfamiliarity with the River Torrens.
“Nick was a remote-controlled car and boat enthusiast who had been racing cars and boats for 30 years,” Chris Kastrappi said.
“He loved going out and driving his remote-controlled boats all over Adelaide. He would often swim out and retrieve his boats and make it safely back.
“He recently started going to the River Torrens and was unaware of the dangers that it holds. It was a tragic accident that took his life.”
“He will be sadly missed by friends and family.”
Witnesses reported that Mr Kastrappi successfully swam out to the boat and turned it up the right way before disappearing under the surface on his way back to the river bank.
Some bystanders had yelled at Mr Kastrappi, urging him not to go into the water.
A report is being prepared for the Coroner.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/family-of-nick-kastrappi-says-river-torrens-drowning-victim-was-life-of-the-party/story-fni6uo1m-1226843118537