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Touching tributes to Brit expat who died leaping off bridge into river in Oz

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Heartbroken friends and family said he found
Heartbroken friends and family said he found 'the joy and passion in everything'

A BRIT who died after hitting his head while jumping off a bridge in Australia was "loving life", pals said.

Joshua Santos Christian, in his 30s, was visiting the Noosa Sound Bridge in Queensland with friends on Sunday when he tragically died.

Joshua tragically died after leaping off a bridge in Australia eiqrriudikkprw
Joshua tragically died after leaping off a bridge in AustraliaCredit: Gofundme
Joshua was 'loving life' in Australia, devastated friends and family said
Joshua was 'loving life' in Australia, devastated friends and family saidCredit: Facebook
Joshua lost his balance while crossing the railing of the bridge and struck his head
Joshua lost his balance while crossing the railing of the bridge and struck his headCredit: Facebook
Joshua, pictured with his girlfriend Becca, had moved to Brisbane from the Wirral
Joshua, pictured with his girlfriend Becca, had moved to Brisbane from the WirralCredit: Facebook

They were reportedly taking turns jumping from the bridge into the river below - a spot popular with tourists.

Joshua, who moved to Brisbane from the Wirral, completed one jump and returned to the bridge for a second attempt.

But he lost his balance while crossing the railing, struck his head and plunged into the water.

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After he failed to surface, his friends started a frantic search before contacting emergency rescue services at 1am.

His body was found at around 6am on Sunday.

A GoFundMe page said Joshua "was in a happy place smashing life with his Aussie tribe and his loving girlfriend, Becca".

It said: "He passed happy and loving life and always living up to his motto 'here for a good time not a long time'.

"Josh lived for his friends and beautiful family.

"He loved finding the joy and passion in everything, he completely embodied music and dancing, both were in his blood, he danced first and thought later."

Pal Jimmy Allen described the Brit as a "special person".

He wrote on social media: "I can't put into words how special a person you were and how you lit up every room.

"You always wanted the best for everyone and made everyone feel so, so special.

"I'll always be thinking of you my brother and will always have a special place in my heart. I'll see you on the other side."

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Another friend said Joshua's death was "heartbreakingly tragic".

His family and friends are now raising money to repatriate his body to the UK.

They said: "Our heartfelt plea is for your support in helping us repatriate Josh from Brisbane to the UK and return to his home, the Wirral.

"Your generosity will bring comfort to his family and loved ones. Together we can bring him home."

Joshua's funeral will be held at Landican Crematorium in Birkenhead. 

After searching for six hours, the police were able to recover Joshua's body using sonar assistance.

Leaping from the landmark is popular among tourists - despite warnings from local cops.

In February, the local council said jumping was '"strictly prohibited" due to construction work beneath the bridge.

Noosa Council CEO Larry Sengstock said the incident was a "tragic reminder" of why people shouldn't jump from the bridge.

"The incident is a tragic reminder about the dangers of bridge jumping," Sengstock told Yahoo News Australia.

"Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time."

Leaping from the landmark is popular among tourists - despite warnings from local cops
Leaping from the landmark is popular among tourists - despite warnings from local copsCredit: Facebook
Noosa Sound Bridge in Queensland, Australia
Noosa Sound Bridge in Queensland, Australia

Imogen Braddick

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