Bondi Rescue lifeguard’s raw tribute to Matt Dee after sudden death: ‘Unashamedly Matt’

Exclusive: Tributes are flowing for Bondi Rescue alum Matt Dee after news of his death broke unexpectedly on Wednesday morning.

Fellow Bondi Rescue lifeguard Daniel McLaughlin, known to friends and fans as Beardy, struggled to put Dee into just a few words when speaking to nine.com.au because “there really was no one quite like him”.

“Matt was such a good bloke, and it was an absolute privilege to call him a mate,” McLaughlin said.

“He had an incredibly unique sense of humour and an ability to lift any situation. It didn’t matter what was going on or what the mood was, Matt would find a way to spin it to where you were just laughing. He was one in a million.”

McLaughlin said Dee was built to be a lifeguard and helped so many people in his time at Bondi – and not just when he was saving lives.

“People were naturally drawn to him through his personality and his incredible sense of humour,” he said.

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“He made everyone laugh, he made people feel close and had this incredible gift of bringing people together.

“That same character carried into his advocacy for mental health through FTW. He genuinely cared about people and was determined to use his own experiences to help others.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside Matt, but even more fortunate to have been his friend. It was a privilege and an honour to know Matt, and he’ll be deeply missed.”

Many of Dee’s closest friends recalled his selfless dedication to mental health and suicide prevention advocacy, all in the name of his family.

Dee’s close friend John Dwyer told nine.com.au that he dedicated his life to helping others after losing his two siblings to suicide months apart in 2009.

“Matty loved them both dearly, and their loss inspired him to become a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention,” Dwyer told nine.com.au.

Dee’s older brother Jonathan, known as ‘JD’, lived with bipolar disorder and died by suicide aged 34.

Their younger sister Rachel lived with schizophrenia for about a decade and was just 30 when she died.

Dee started his company FTW Revolution, a clothing brand connected to Suicide Prevention Australia, in their honour.

“By bravely sharing his family’s story, he positively impacted the lives of so many people around the world,” Dwyer said of the selfless act.

But that wasn’t the only way Dee changed lives before his death.

Dwyer said Dee was one of a kind and lit up every room with his wild charisma and razor sharp wit.

“He had an uncanny ability to make you feel special – to make you feel good about yourself. It was his superpower,” Dwyer said.

“That’s why his passing is so hard to take. We are all devastated we won’t get another chance to have another laugh with our great mate. 

“He’s left a huge mark on everyone he crossed paths with. I’m sure he’s hanging with JD and Rach right now – fresh rinse, solid tan, beer in hand, listening to his favourite tunes.

“Rest easy now Matty. We love ya mate.”

Fellow Bondi lifeguard Trent ‘Singlets’ Falson remembered Dee as a big-hearted guy who was loved wherever he went.

“He was one of the few people who had time for everyone including strangers or random people who he came across,” he told nine.com.au.

“His work as a mental health campaigner was tireless and gave salvation to so many people across the world.

“As a lifeguard he was a great energy to be around and always brought the fun and a unique sense of humour.”

“The best thing about Matt was he was unashamedly Matt Dee, and we all loved him for it,” Falson said.

Close friend Jesse Billington, or ‘Billo’ as Dee called him for the past 34 years, remembered Dee as the mate who always made him feel strong.

“I met him when we were both 16 on the school bus. We shared a love for surfing and became best mates from that day on,” Billington told nine.com.au.

“He knew my whole family deeply and lived in my house when we were in high school. I knew his whole family as well and went through all the ups and downs with him over the years.”

“I have never met a funnier human in all my life. His humour was contagious and brought it out of everyone around him. We were always laughing in his presence,” Billington said.

“He always made me feel special, and somehow made me feel confident, strong and always supported.

“He always had my back no matter what, and I always felt it. He will leave a big hole in my life and will be deeply missed. 

“Love you Matty. Enjoy your new peace my brother.”

Other tributes to Dee have made it abundantly clear how loved, admired and respected he was among those who knew him best, and the fans who followed him after his Bondi Rescue days.

McLaughlin posted a series of touching photos with Dee on Instagram with an emotional caption to honour him.

“Rest easy Mate, you were a true character who lived life on your own terms,” he captioned the post.

“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.”

McLaughlin said there was never a dull moment working alongside Dee, a sentiment other lifeguards have echoed.

“Life and time may have seen us on different paths lately, but I’ll always be grateful for the memories and friendship,” he concluded the tribute.

Falson commented, “Well said Beard. He was one in a million.”

Trent Maxwell also honoured Dee with a photo tribute captioned, “Rest easy Matty Dee”.

Bruce Hopkins, better known as Hoppo, reshared the tribute to his own Instagram Stories shortly after.

Fans and mourners have been sharing their own messages of support and condolences on social media.

Many shared the important role Bondi Rescue had played in their own lives, saying the show provided a bit of light and hope in dark moments.

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FTW Revolution continued his work when it announced his passing yesterday.

“This page is being monitored, however, please understand that we may not be able to respond to every message. We truly appreciate every kind message, thought and tribute,” the announcement read.

“If Matt’s passing has brought up difficult feelings for you, please know that you don’t have to face them alone.”

It directed anyone in need to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call Triple Zero in an emergency.

Dee’s cause of death has not been made public. Funeral arrangements are underway.

If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, please know that support is available Lifeline (Australia): Call 13 11 14 (Available 24/7) or text 0477 13 11 14.