Bondi Rescue star Matt Dee has died aged 47.
His family announced his death on Wednesday 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 began.
‘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 arrangements and details will be shared once they have been finalised.
‘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.’
Beloved Bondi Rescue star Matt Dee has died aged 47. His family announced his passing on Wednesday in a social media statement
Heartbroken friends and fans took to social media to pay tribute to Dee.
‘Big love Matty Dee,’ wrote fellow Bondi Rescue star Ryan ‘Whippet’ Clark.
‘Rest easy brother,’ added series veteran Trent ‘Maxi’ Maxwell.
Dee became one of Bondi Rescue’s most recognisable and beloved lifeguards, winning fans with his cheeky humour, infectious personality and unmistakable Aussie charm.
The popular lifeguard was a familiar face on Bondi Rescue for almost a decade, appearing 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’.
Away from the cameras, Dee dedicated much of his time to helping others, co-founding non-profit organisation FTW Revolution and working to raise awareness around mental health.
He was also a Suicide Prevention Australia advocate.
Dee became one of Bondi Rescue’s most recognisable and beloved lifeguards, winning fans with his cheeky humour, infectious personality and unmistakable Aussie charm
The reality TV personality became a passionate mental health ambassador after losing both his brother and sister within a year, following their struggles with mental health.
His younger sister, Rachel Bridger Dee, died aged 30 in December 2009, following a decade-long battle with schizophrenia.
Meanwhile, his older brother Jonathan had bipolar disorder and died several months before his sister.
The Bondi Rescue star and his siblings grew up in a tight-knit family, being raised by their single mother in Melbourne.
Dee’s death comes four years after fellow Bondi Rescue star Terry ‘T-Man’ McDermott died on September 1, 2022.
His passing was announced in a post on the Facebook page Bondi Rescue Lifeguards.
He was described as one of ‘the nicest watermen to don a jersey’.
‘This selfless man saved countless lives during his career spanning more than 30 years working at many different beaches,’ the tribute read.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
