Father-of-two dies and four injured in Southern 80 race on Murray River

A man has died and four others are injured after separate ski crashes during the Southern 80 on the Murray River in regional Victoria.

Fifty-year-old David Morabito from NSW was pulled unconscious from the water during racing at Echuca, Ski Racing Australia confirmed.

Attempts were made to resuscitate the father-of-two but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ski Racing Australia said Mr Morabito was “a highly respected driver who has been involved with ski racing for many years.”

Another man in his 20s was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with head and spinal injuries in a serious but stable condition, Ambulance Victoria said, while another man, also in his 20s, is in a serious condition at the Echuca Hospital with head and neck injuries.

A woman in her 20s and man in his 40s are both in a stable condition after suffering upper-body injuries.

Racing was suspended as a result of the incidents.