Jeremy Wann: West Australian father dies in horror surfing incident in Indonesia

A West Aussie father has died in a horror surfing incident while on the trip of a lifetime with his mates and teenage son in Indonesia. Tributes have poured in for Jeremy Wann — affectionately known as “Jezza” — as well as more than $41,000 in donations through a GoFundMe page. The 48-year-old was in Indonesia at a break in north Sumatra with son Mason and friends, Dan, Jay and Josh on Thursday when he hit his head on the reef and was knocked unconscious. Despite desperate efforts to resuscitate him, Mr Wann could not be saved. Mr Wann is survived by his wife Rikki, two sons, aged 17 and 16, and a 12-year-old daughter. In a family statement, the beloved father was described as “hard working” and “devoted”. “He worked hard to ensure his family had everything they needed. Jeremy made his parents proud and was always there for his sister,” a family member said in a statement. “He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have met him and had him as part of their lives. “Jeremy lived and worked on the ocean, he had a great love for surfing which he shared with his family and friends. “The family want to express their deep gratitude to Jeremy’s mates, Daniel, Jay and Josh who were on the surf trip and have watched over Mason until he made it home safely to his family.” Friday marked Mason’s 16th birthday and was supposed to be celebrated surfing with his dad but was reunited with his mother at Perth Airport. His family is now waiting for Mr Wann’s body to also complete the long journey home to Australia so he can be farewelled. Originally from Geraldton, the family live in Karratha and have deep roots in the community, active in several sporting clubs and Mr Wann had worked as a Tug Master at Dampier Port in WA’s north. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said it was “providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Indonesia”. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” the spokesperson said. Friend Daniel shared a heartfelt tribute in the wake of his passing, thanking the community for their support. “The family appreciates all of the love and well wishes during this traumatic time,” he said. “Much loved family man and popular friend of the surf community Jeremy Wann tragically passed away while doing what he most loved — surfing perfect waves at a remote Indonesian island location with his son Mason and a few of his best friends. “(He) leaves behind a massive network of friends and colleagues who will miss him dearly.” Dee Wilson, who organised the online fundraiser, said he would be dearly missed by those who knew him. “Our best friend and brother, husband, father, and son Jeremy Wann has sadly passed away in a tragic surfing accident in Indonesia, doing what he loved the most,” Ms Wilson stated. “Loved and respected by all lucky enough to know him, we want to raise some funds to assist with the repatriation process and to support his family during this extremely sad and difficult time. “We will miss him dearly and will support his family as best we can.” More than 120 people had donated to the GoFundMe by Saturday afternoon.