Tributes have started pouring in for a man who went missing while surfing in his “favourite place”.
Aaron Beveridge was last seen in the water at Surfers Point near Margaret River, south of Perth, on Friday afternoon.
His mother, Cheryl Wilson, led the tributes, writing a devastating message on Facebook hinting to her son’s suspected death.
“A mum’s worst nightmare this weekend,” Ms Wilson wrote.
“My son Aaron James Beveridge was tragically taken at sea while pursuing his passion for surfing at Margaret River, Western Australia.
“Can’t get my head around what’s happening. Hard to process. RIP Aaron. You were loved so much by so many people …absolutely devastated”.
Mr Beveridge’s father, Don Beveridge, also posted a tribute saying his son “never returned” while surfing in his “favourite place”.
“On Friday, our son, brother, father, friend, Aaron Beveridge went for a surf in his favourite place in Margaret River,” Mr Beveridge wrote.
“Unfortunately he never returned. Words can not help the loss we are all feeling at this time.”
Mr Beveridge’s daughter Chayne, posted a picture of what appeared to be Mr Beveridge surfing a large wave, alongside a heart and heartbreaking caption: “no words x”.
The 47-year-old was reported missing at 4.35pm on Friday by another surfer who saw he needed help, but was unable to reach him because of the rough conditions.
He was one of several surfers using longboards in the area at the time, with witnesses reported seeing Mr Beveridge’s board in the “tombstone” position before his leg rope snapped off.
Police and emergency services were called to Surfers Point to carry out a huge search and rescue operation of the water and beach area on Friday.
But police, marine rescue and jet skis were forced to suspend their search on Saturday afternoon due to adverse weather conditions.
On Monday afternoon, the search for Mr Beveridge was called off indefinitely pending any new information.
Friends and family described Mr Beveridge as a “great lad”.
Another tribute read: “Rest in peace Aaron Beveridge, every time I’d come to the Margaret river region I’d usually see you around at the beach or the skatepark”.
“The town won’t be the same without your car and awesome dog parked in the carpark while you go surfing.”
