Jet Ski Tragedy: Vincent Cornell-Cooke Sacrifices His Life to Save His Brother

Vincent Cornell-Cooke, a 35-year-old man from New Zealand, made the ultimate sacrifice after giving up his lifejacket to save his brother during a jet ski incident on Lake Taupō. His actions, though heroic, ultimately led to his untimely death, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in shock.

The incident occurred on 18 January 2025, when Vincent and his two brothers, Washington and Bronson, arrived in Taupō to celebrate Bronson’s 30th birthday. The day began with skydiving, followed by a celebratory dinner at their hotel. Later in the evening, Vincent and Bronson went into town and consumed a significant amount of alcohol before returning to their hotel by taxi.

The next day, the three brothers headed to Lake Taupō to use Bronson’s jet ski. Vincent and Bronson took the jet ski for a spin, with Vincent at the helm and wearing the only lifejacket available between them. Neither brother could swim. Around 12:30 pm, the jet ski capsized in the choppy waters of the lake, throwing both men into the water.

Vincent, realizing his brother was struggling to stay afloat, told Bronson he loved him and handed him the lifejacket. As Bronson clung to the lifejacket, Vincent was left without one and began to sink. Despite efforts to keep him afloat, Vincent eventually went under and disappeared into the lake. His body was recovered the next day by a police dive squad, seven meters below the surface.

A post-mortem examination listed drowning as the cause of death. A toxicology report found traces of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in Vincent’s system, though no alcohol was detected. The coroner noted that while the presence of MDMA may have impaired Vincent’s judgment, the capsizing itself was an unforeseeable accident.

Coroner Ian Telford described the incident as “highly preventable,” emphasizing the importance of wearing lifejackets and ensuring the emergency safety engine cut-off switch is properly connected. He highlighted that Vincent’s chances of survival would have been significantly higher had he been wearing a lifejacket and using the emergency switch correctly.

Following Vincent’s death, a Givealittle page was set up to support his wife and children. The page described Vincent as “an amazing and loving husband and father, who poured his heart and soul into his family.” His legacy of generosity and courage will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

The coroner’s report serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety measures when operating jet skis. He urged the public to refer to Maritime New Zealand’s guidelines and take note of key safety advice, including wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and ensuring the emergency engine cut-off switch is activated in case of an accident.

Vincent Cornell-Cooke’s story is a powerful and heart-wrenching example of selflessness and sacrifice. His actions, though tragic, will continue to inspire others to prioritize safety and cherish the lives of their loved ones.