Lifeguards who worked with beloved Bondi Rescue star Matt Dee have paid tribute to their friend after the news of his death.
Matt worked as a Bondi Lifeguard for a decade and appeared on the popular Channel 10 reality show between 2008 and 2017.
His clothing label, FTW Revolution, announced Matt’s death on Wednesday, and in the hours since, his fellow lifeguards have shared their respects.
Dee’s cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
Lifeguards who worked with Matt Dee (left) have paid tribute following the announcement of his death on Wednesday.
(Instagram/1beardy_)
Daniel McLaughlin, better known as Beardy, shared some pictures of himself with Matt posing at the lifeguard tower and having beers on the couch.
“Rest easy, mate. You were a true character who lived life on your own terms,” Daniel said.
“So many good times, plenty of laughs and some incredible stories along the way. I hoped you realised how many people you helped with your mental health advocacy, not to mention all the lives you save on the beach.
“There was never a dull moment working alongside you. Life and time may have seen us on different paths lately, but I’ll always be grateful for the memories and friendship.”
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Trent “Maxi” Maxwell shared a picture of himself and Matt, along with other lifeguards, including Jesse Pollock, wearing FTW Revolution.
“Rest easy, Matty Dee,” he captioned the image.
Bruce Hopkins, better known as Hoppo, reshared the image on his own Instagram.
Trent Maxwell also shared a tribute to Matt.
(Instagram/@lifeguardmaxi)Lifeguard will be ‘deeply missed’
Matt’s clothing label informed the public about the shock news of his death.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our Matt Dee,” the FTW Instagram announcement read.
“Matt touched the lives of many, he also did amazing work and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.”
Funeral details will be shared once his loved ones have finalised them.
Friends and family were devastated to learn of the news, with one describing Matt as “one of a kind”.
Former Bondi Lifeguard Matt Dee (left) has passed away, his clothing company announced on Wednesday.
(Channel 10)
“Hope you’re at peace with your family,” said another.
“A legend within humanity. Matt, my dear second son, at peace with JD and Rach, sucking oranges with gran,” wrote a third.
Matt started FTW Revolution in 2014, after his own life had been profoundly impacted by mental health. He tragically lost two siblings in the same year.
FTW helps raise money for suicide prevention, working closely with Suicide Prevention Australia.
A spokesperson for the peak body told Yahoo Lifestyle Matt’s passing was tragic.
“Matt reached many through his advocacy, making a positive impact in suicide prevention, a cause he cared for and championed,” they said.
“This is upsetting news, and we encourage anyone who requires support to please reach out for help – it is available and can make a difference.”
Matt’s older brother, Jonathan, had battled bipolar disorder, and died in 2009, while his younger sister, Rachel, lived with schizophrenia, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
These deaths left a profound impact on Matt’s life, and he dedicated himself to helping others battling mental illness.
”What happened was not their fault,” he told The Sun-Herald in 2011.
”They did their best to manage their illnesses. It wasn’t their fault.
“They had a problem inside their heads. It’s something we don’t understand. How would we know what it’s like?”
He became an ambassador for the Schizophrenia Research Institute and started FTW Revolution in 2014.
Yahoo Lifestyle has contacted Waverley Council for further comment.
Mental health support for yourself or a loved one can be found by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.Online support is available via Beyond Blue.
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