'Prayers & financial support mean everything': Wife of Filipino who drowned in NSW thanks community

Butch Buscato died after drowning while paddleboarding at Lake Cargelligo in NSW’s Central West, prompting an outpouring of support from the Griffith local community.

Butch Buscato died after drowning while paddleboarding at Lake Cargelligo in NSW’s Central West, prompting an outpouring of support from the Griffith local community. Credit: Supplied by Vanessa Buscato

A Filipino community leader from Griffith, New South Wales has died after drowning while paddleboarding at Lake Cargelligo in the state’s Central West, prompting an outpouring of support from the local community.


Key Points
  • The victim was identified as 41-year-old Butch Buscato, vice-president of the Griffith Filipino-Australian Community, who is survived by his wife Vanessa and their three children.
  • In an interview with SBS Filipino, Vanessa Buscato remembered her husband as a devoted father, a loving husband, and a friend who was always willing to help others.
  • Community members have rallied around the family, preparing meals and donating to a fundraiser to assist with expenses, including flights for relatives travelling from the Philippines.

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