The mother of a kayaker found dead in Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast says his death leaves a "huge hole".
Chris Dicker, 28, was last seen entering the water with his kayak about 7:00am on Easter Sunday.
Earlier that morning he posted a message on Facebook that said: "Early morning kayak before the crew wakes up. Good morning and happy Easter to all my family and friends, have a great day."
Hours later his kayak was discovered without him and minus a paddle.
It sparked a desperate search of the area, including an aerial sweep and patrols of nearby beaches.
Mr Dicker's body was found at 6:20am on Monday by a local resident near a bridge.
His mother, Deborah Dicker said she thought the worst when her son's kayak was found on Sunday morning.
"It's just been numb, because we had no idea what happened," she said.
"It's hard to take … he's gone. It's like left a huge hole."
Ms Dicker suspected her son had an epileptic seizure and drowned.
She said he lived with a carer and found enjoyment in coaching junior basketball teams.
"He so wanted to get out there help the young kids," she said.
"Teach them what he knows, that he couldn't play, and I wish now that I could have paid more attention to what he was doing and I feel I haven't paid him enough attention."
Chris Dicker 'fought severe epilepsy'
On social media Mr Dicker was being remembered for his work coaching at the Coombabah Clippers Basketball Club.
"We've lost a coach, a son, a brother, a mate and the world is a poorer place."
The basketball club paid tribute to an "amazing coach and good friend" on its Facebook page.
"Chris touched so many lives and invested in more people than we can begin to know," the post said.
"We would not be the club we are today without you — you will be sorely missed by all of us."
Gary Threlfall posted: "Chris helped build Clippers into a force to be reckoned with. He fought the severe epilepsy fate had thrown at him courageously."
Helen Kirkham said she was heartbroken: "He was one of a kind."
Craig Rowe said he had lost a close friend and colleague.
"I know of your battles and thank you for sharing so many stories with me … I know you were always about being better than before and I am happy to have been able to share your journey," he said.
Fellow coach Vicki Sams paid tribute to Mr Dicker's commitment to the team: "Basketball was his life — he would travel anywhere or any time to coach and worked hard to become the best coach he could be."
