‘My best mate’: Dad’s tribute to teen waterskier killed in tragic accident

A champion teen waterskier has been killed in a tragic competition accident.

Blake Tickell, 13, was competing at the New South Wales State Titles at Wyangala Dam, near Cowra in the state's Central West before he was rushed to Westmead Children's Hospital with critical head injuries, the Daily Telegraph has reported.

A friend who witnessed the accident said Blake's ski had become caught in the wash.

The Sydney teenager died in hospital yesterday evening.

His father Darren posted a tribute to Blake on Facebook.

"In memory of my son, my best mate," he wrote.

"Love you for eternity Blakey."

Mr Tickell said Blake had died doing "what he was so passionate about".

"Blakey was wise beyond his years, an old soul, had love for everybody, and will forever be in our hearts," he wrote.

Blake was a winner of state and national waterskiing titles in his age division.