Friends and family of Bondi Rescue lifeguard Matt Dee have shed light on his sudden death at the age of 47 earlier this month, saying he passed away from natural causes.
During a tribute to the lifesaver held at Sydney's Bronte Beach on Saturday, Dee's best friend Kev Goodall revealed that it's believed he died from natural causes.
Speaking to NewsWire, Dee's father John Dee also said that natural causes likely ended his son's life.
"All he said is, if I ever go, just make sure you guys make it a big party," John said of the decision to hold a memorial on the beach.
"We're just following his wishes, and doing exactly what he'd want us to do," he said. "And this is his home beach, so it's a fitting place to do it."
Paddle-out at Bronte Beach
Dee was honoured with a heartwarming paddle-out at Bronte Beach on Saturday. Friends, family, fans and fellow surfers gathered along the sand with flowers and took to the waves with their surfboards to farewell him.
Food, drinks and music were shared among the crowd, with the celebration of Matt's life kicking off under the sun as attendees shared memories of the lifeguard.
Matt spent almost a decade saving lives on Sydney's eastern beaches.
Family's tribute statement
Dee's family announced his death earlier this month in a statement shared on social media.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our Matt Dee," they wrote. "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."
The statement said funeral arrangements and details would be shared once they had been finalised, and added: "If Matt's passing has brought up difficult feelings for you, please know that you don't have to face them alone. Support is available."
Bondi Rescue fame
Matt became one of Bondi Rescue's most recognisable and beloved lifeguards, winning fans with his cheeky humour, infectious personality and unmistakable Aussie charm. Bondi Rescue is a long-running Australian reality series that follows lifeguards patrolling Bondi Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
He featured on the show from 2008 until 2017. His popularity was so great that Bondi Rescue later celebrated his greatest moments in a compilation titled "The Most Aussie Lifeguard EVER."
Mental health advocacy
Away from the cameras, Matt dedicated much of his time to helping others, co-founding the non-profit organisation FTW Revolution and working to raise awareness around mental health. He was also a Suicide Prevention Australia advocate.
He dedicated himself to helping people who struggled with their mental health, inspired by the struggles of his brother and sister, who died within the space of a year following their own battles.
His younger sister, Rachel Bridger Dee, died aged 30 in December 2009 after a decade-long battle with schizophrenia. His older brother, Jonathan, had bipolar disorder and died several months earlier.
Anyone needing immediate support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
