Tragedy as international student Katherine Sandoval dies after being swept off the rocks at Cronulla by a rogue wave: ‘Loved by so many’

An international student has died after being swept off the rocks at a popular Australian surfing spot.

Columbian student Katherine Sandoval was killed when she and three friends were knocked over by a rogue wave as they walked on the rocks at Cronulla, in Sydney‘s Sutherland Shire, around midday on Sunday.

Ms Sandoval’s friends were able to remain on the rocks but whe was tragically dragged into the water by the receding wave.

Her pastor Ezequiel Medina told Daily Mail Australia Ms Sandoval was a strong swimmer but cracked her head as she fell and could not be saved.

International student Katherine Sandoval (pictured) has tragically died after being swept off rocks at Cronulla by a rogue wave

Ms Sandoval’s friends were able to remain on the rocks but she was tragically dragged into the water by the receding wave 

‘The wave came out of the blue and swept her in, she was a good swimmer but she hit her head on the way down and she couldn’t get back up,’ he said.

‘It is such a tragedy she was loved by so many people and everyone has a story to tell about her despite only being in the country for a few months.’

A recreational boat in the Bate Bay area alerted the Marine Area Command to the incident, reporting that a woman was unconcious and not breathing. She was later declared dead by NSW Ambulance paramedics. 

Ms Sandoval came to Australia from her hometown in Bogata, Columbia, in February to study English.

It’s the latest tragedy for her family after her brother died in a car crash in April.

‘I called them on Sunday night and told them the news which is just devastating,’ Mr Medina said.

‘Her brother had only just passed away in a car crash so it is another horrific blow for them.’

A recreational boat in the Bate Bay area alerted the Marine Area Command to the incident, reporting that a woman was unconcious and not breathing. She was later declared dead by NSW Ambulance paramedics 

Katherine was also a valued member of the Spanish church Iglesia Su Presencia in Auburn, where she became a leader despite only recently moving to the country.

‘She was going through a tough situation with her brother but she still always had a smile on her face and would cheer everyone up,’ Mr Medina said.

‘Katherine became an invaluable member of the church and everyone she spoke to she touched, everyone is so sad about her passing as although she was only here for a short time everyone has a story about how she impacted, encouraged and inspired them.’

Tributes on the church’s page after learning of her passing spoke of her humour and infectious smile.

Her pastor Ezequiel Medina told Daily Mail Australia, Katherine (pictured) ‘always had a smile on her face and would cheer everyone up’

‘Beautiful, we are going to miss you and I am sure that you are making God smile with your witticism,’ one person wrote.

‘Noooo my love my friend my sister my everything! ‘ another said.

‘Rest Cousin, you leave a very big void in your family,’ a third wrote.

Another added: ‘For this difficult moment, there are no words, I just ask my God to give you and your family a lot of strength, a huge hug.’

A GoFundMe campaignhas been set up to pay for her repatriation to Columbia and her funeral.

‘There are expenses we need to pay to repatriate her body which is around $12,000 and the rest will be sent for the family to help with the cost of her funeral,’ Mr Medina said.

The fundraiser has raised more than $16,000.