A gay couple from Canberra who were killed in yesterday’s tragic accident at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast have been remembered by friends and colleagues.

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Roozi Araghi and his partner Luke Dorsett were killed when their raft flipped on the Thunder River Rapids ride yesterday afternoon.

Dorsett’s sister Kate Goodchild and another woman, Cindy Low, who was not known to the family were also killed. Low was visiting the amusement park with her husband and children.

Araghi was an employee at the Australian Bureau of Statistics and a former music reviewer for LGBTIQ+ website samesame. 

The ABS released a statement describing Araghi as a well liked team member.

“The ABS is devastated by the tragic loss of Roozi Araghi, one of our dedicated, professional hardworking team members, who was very popular and well-regarded,” the statement said.

“His loss is deeply felt, and our thoughts and wishes are with his family and friends.

“Roozi worked in our communications team, and was helping with the organisation-wide transformation of our statistical processes.

“He had the rare ability to communicate complex and technical matters in a clear and easy to understand manner, while also bringing a lot of joy and fun to the workplace.”

Tributes were posted by many Canberra based journalists and politicians.

Labor’s Senator Sam Dastyari noted his long friendship with Araghi.

“I was lucky enough to have been raised with Roozi Araghi. He was a caring, gentle and sweet soul. Australia worse for the loss.” Senator Dastyari posted on Twitter.

Radio National Drive host Patricia Karvelas described the couple as great friends.

“Roozi & Luke were the best and most loyal friends. They never missed one of my girls birthdays. They never forgot to check in. Words fail me.” Karvelas posted.

The ABC’s Dom Knight also highlighted his long friendship with Araghi.

“Farewell Roozi Araghi, an old uni friend who died at Dreamworld. A passionate, funny, brilliant man with an unquenchable love of retro pop.”

OIP Staff

OUTinPerth offer sincere condolences to the families of all people killed in the tragic accident.