New details about former Bondi Rescue star Matt Dee’s sudden death have been revealed weeks after his passing.
The beloved mental health advocate passed away on September 1 and no cause of death was initially revealed.
However, during a paddle-out on Saturday at Bronte Beach in Sydney where friends and family gathered to pay tribute to the lifeguard, his close friend shed light on his passing.
His best friend Kev Goodall said it’s believed the TV star died from natural causes.
Mr Dee’s dad John also reiterated to NewsWire that his son’s death was not a suicide, despite speculation due to his work in the mental health space.
During a speech at the event, Mr Goodall said Mr Dee always wanted a big send-off.
“All he said is, if I ever go, just make sure you guys make it a big party,” he said.
“We’re just following his wishes, and doing exactly what he’d want us to do.
“And this is his home beach, so it’s a fitting place to do it.”
Mr Dee lost both his siblings in 2009 and his grandmother took her own life when he was just 15.
His older brother Jonathan died by suicide at just 34 years old, following a life-long battle with bipolar disorder.
The brothers’ younger sister Rachel took her own life less than a year later at age 30, following a decade-long schizophrenia diagnosis.
He retired from his role on Bondi Rescue in 2017 to focus on mental health advocacy platform FTW Revolution, which he founded to honour his brother Jonathan and sister Rachel.
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