The girlfriend of Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin has spoken after his drowning, paying tribute to her “beautiful man”.
Pullin, an Australian snowboarding champion, died on the Gold Coast on Wednesday having been pulled from the ocean after becoming unresponsive while spearfishing.
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“Know that Chumpy absolutely loved life and lived it to the full,” said his long-time girlfriend Ellidy Vlug in a statement on Thursday.
“He lived for us, his family, our puppy Rummi, our amazing friends and the home we made together.
“He was living his dream, our dream.
“I am eternally grateful that I have lived my life with him and I am deeply saddened that his life has been cut short.
“Rest in peace my beautiful man.”
Pullin was an experienced spear fisherman but it’s believed he may have suffered a medical episode underwater.
Vlug reportedly witnessed Pullin’s final moments as lifeguards and paramedics desperately tried to save him on Palm Beach.
Emergency responders performed CPR for about 45 minutes, but he could not be saved.
Vlug was not at the beach at the time paramedics started CPR on her 32-year-old boyfriend but came across the tragedy unfolding.
Vlug, and her mother, witnessed the commotion and reportedly expressed hope Pullin was not the victim before learning the devastating news.
Tributes have poured in for Pullin, who was a two-time world champion in snowboard cross, three-time Olympian, Olympic finalist, Australian Olympic flag bearer, former world No.1 and multiple World Cup gold medal winner.
Members of Australia’s sporting landscape have led the condolences, particularly Olympians, winter athletes and others involved in the Olympic movement.
Actor Lincoln Lewis said he was struggling to come to terms with his death.
“One of those rare individuals who just lit up every room, never failed to continuously make everyone smile, laugh and just feel like their part of the family,” Lewis, the son of rugby league Immortal Wally Lewis, said on Instagram.
“I wish I had the proper words to say, but what I do know is that I feel so incredibly lucky - beyond comprehension - to have been able to call you a mate.
“Even though you are gone way too soon, the world has been all the better and brighter for having you in it.
“All our love goes out to his family and his incredible partner Ellidy.
“Love ya and we’re all gonna miss you mate.”
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