Former Bondi Rescue lifeguard and mental health advocate Matt Dee has died suddenly, with tributes flowing from across the Australian sporting and entertainment world after news of his passing was announced on Wednesday morning. Dee, who featured on the popular lifeguard reality series between 2008 and 2017, was remembered by former colleagues and high-profile friends as "one of a kind."

The heartbreaking news was shared publicly via the Instagram page for FTW Revolution, the clothing brand Dee founded to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. A post alongside a photograph of Dee wearing an FTW branded shirt confirmed the news, stating: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our Matt Dee. 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 have not yet been confirmed, with the post noting details would be shared once they had been finalised.

Colleagues and friends remember Matt Dee

The outpouring of grief was immediate and widespread. Trent Maxwell — known to Bondi Rescue fans as lifeguard Maxi and a former colleague of Dee's — wrote simply, "Rest easy brother." The official Bondi Lifeguards page also responded to the news, posting a broken heart emoji alongside the words "Sad news."

Former NRL player Josh Dugan added his voice to the tributes, writing: "Rest in paradise brother... one of a kind." Ryan Clark, known to viewers as lifeguard Whippet, paid tribute via his Instagram stories, saying: "You had a wild life and you will be missed by many."

No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.

A life defined by advocacy

Beyond his television profile, Matt Dee dedicated a significant part of his life to mental health advocacy and suicide prevention — causes that were deeply personal to him. His two siblings, Rachel, 30, and Jonathon, 34, both of whom lived with mental illness, died in the same year. Speaking about their deaths, Dee had said: "What happened was not their fault. They did their best to manage their illnesses. It wasn't their fault. They had a problem inside their heads. It's something we don't understand. How would we know what it's like?"

Those experiences shaped his public mission. Dee served as an ambassador for Suicide Prevention Australia and, through his FTW Revolution brand, raised approximately $500,000 for the organisation.

Suicide Prevention Australia responded to the news with a statement expressing deep sorrow at the loss. A spokesperson said Dee's work had reached many Australians and made "a positive impact in suicide prevention, a cause he cared for and championed." The organisation urged anyone struggling to seek support, stating: "It is available and can make a difference."

Community mourns a 'one of a kind' figure

The FTW Revolution Instagram page, which broke the news of Dee's death, acknowledged the volume of messages and support pouring in from around the country. "This page is being monitored, however, please understand that we may not be able to respond to every message," the post read. "We truly appreciate every kind message, thought and tribute."

Dee's legacy — both as a familiar face on one of Australia's most enduring reality programmes and as a tireless advocate for those affected by mental illness — has resonated strongly with those who knew him personally and the broader public alike.

For those connected to the Bondi community, the loss carries particular weight.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or visit headspace.org.au.