{"id":589061,"date":"2026-09-03T18:26:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T18:26:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/589061\/"},"modified":"2026-09-03T18:26:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T18:26:17","slug":"bondi-rescue-lifeguards-join-tributes-for-matt-dee-after-tragic-death-true-character","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/589061\/","title":{"rendered":"Bondi Rescue lifeguards join tributes for Matt Dee after tragic death: ‘True character’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lifeguards who worked with beloved Bondi Rescue<\/a> star Matt Dee<\/a> have paid tribute to their friend after the news of his death.<\/p>\n

Matt worked as a Bondi Lifeguard for a decade and appeared on the popular Channel 10<\/a> reality show between 2008 and 2017.<\/p>\n

His clothing label, FTW Revolution, announced Matt’s death on Wednesday, and in the hours since, his fellow lifeguards have shared their respects.<\/p>\n

Dee’s cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.<\/p>\n

\"Daniel<\/p>\n

Lifeguards who worked with Matt Dee (left) have paid tribute following the announcement of his death on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

(Instagram\/1beardy_)<\/p>\n

Daniel McLaughlin, better known as Beardy, shared some pictures of himself with Matt posing at the lifeguard tower and having beers on the couch.<\/p>\n

“Rest easy, mate. You were a true character who lived life on your own terms,” Daniel said.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/p>\n

Trent “Maxi” Maxwell shared a picture of himself and Matt, along with other lifeguards, including Jesse Pollock, wearing FTW Revolution.<\/p>\n

“Rest easy, Matty Dee,” he captioned the image.<\/p>\n

Bruce Hopkins, better known as Hoppo, reshared the image on his own Instagram.<\/p>\n

\"Lifeguards<\/p>\n

Trent Maxwell also shared a tribute to Matt.<\/p>\n

(Instagram\/@lifeguardmaxi)Lifeguard will be ‘deeply missed’<\/p>\n

Matt’s clothing label informed the public about the shock news of his death.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

Funeral details will be shared once his loved ones have finalised them.<\/p>\n

Friends and family were devastated to learn of the news, with one describing Matt as “one of a kind”.<\/p>\n

\"Bondi<\/p>\n

Former Bondi Lifeguard Matt Dee (left) has passed away, his clothing company announced on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

(Channel 10)<\/p>\n

“Hope you’re at peace with your family,” said another.<\/p>\n

“A legend within humanity. Matt, my dear second son, at peace with JD and Rach, sucking oranges with gran,” wrote a third.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

FTW helps raise money for suicide prevention<\/a>, working closely with Suicide Prevention Australia.<\/p>\n

A spokesperson for the peak body told Yahoo Lifestyle Matt’s passing was tragic.<\/p>\n

“Matt reached many through his advocacy, making a positive impact in suicide prevention, a cause he cared for and championed,” they said.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

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<\/a> reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n

These deaths left a profound impact on Matt’s life, and he dedicated himself to helping others battling mental illness.<\/p>\n

”What happened was not their fault,” he told The Sun-Herald<\/a> in 2011.<\/p>\n

”They did their best to manage their illnesses. It wasn’t their fault.<\/p>\n

“They had a problem inside their heads. It’s something we don’t understand. How would we know what it’s like?”<\/p>\n

He became an ambassador for the Schizophrenia Research Institute and started FTW Revolution in 2014.<\/p>\n

Yahoo Lifestyle has contacted Waverley Council for further comment.<\/p>\n

Mental health support for yourself or a loved one can be found by calling Lifeline<\/a> on 13 11 14, Mensline<\/a> on 1300 789 978, or the Kids Helpline<\/a> on 1800 551 800.Online support is available via Beyond Blue<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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