Bondi Rescue star Terry McDermott dies after battle with cancer

Bondi Rescue lifeguard Terry McDermott has died after a battle with cancer, with a tragic final post to Instagram showing him singing in a hospital ward.

Bondi Rescue lifeguard Terry ‘Tezz’ McDermott shared a moving video of himself singing with other patients in a Sydney cancer ward before succumbing to the disease this week.

McDermott was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Anzac Day 2020 and died on September 1 surrounded by family and friends, with a post shared to the hit TV show’s Facebook page late on Friday mourning “the loss of one of the nicest watermen to don a jersey”.

“This selfless man saved countless lives during his career spanning more than 30 years working at many different beaches,” the tribute read.

Bondi rescue star Terry McDermott has died, with the program honouring him as "one of the nicest watermen to don a jersey". Picture: Facebook

Terry McDermott was surrounded by family at the time of his death. Pictured with wife Jo

“Terry, Tezzy, T-Mac, Moondoggy McDermott. Thank you for your service to the community.

“Rest easy great man.”

In his final post to Instagram, Mr McDermott showed himself singing in the cancer ward of Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney with another patient earlier this year, joking: “Cancer can’t get us, we’re too happy”.

Pictured with fellow patient Dave, a former Roosters player, and wife Jo, before McDermott’s chemo session, the trio break into a cheerful rendition of The Horses by Daryl Braithwaite.

“We’ve found a new cure ... we’re not going to go on the chemo anymore, we’re going to go on the happiness diet,” he told followers, as Dave broke into a second song.

Fans flocked to the post on Saturday, writing “rest easy you legend”, and “you were the best”.

Mr McDermott spent 20 years working as a lifeguard on the Central Coast and 10 years patrolling the famous Bondi Beach.

In addition to several seasons on Network Ten’s hit reality show, Bondi Rescue, Mr McDermott also starred in the spin-off series, Bondi Rescue: Bali.

Co-star Trent Maxwell also shared a moving tribute to Mr McDermott, thanking him for “teaching me the ropes of lifeguarding”.

Co-star Trent Maxwell shared his own tribute, thanking McDermott for his “wisdom”.

Terry McDermott with wife Jo

Bondi Rescue lifeguard Terry McDermott in hospital.

“I will miss you mate, never a dull moment,” he wrote. “You were a great waterman and always had some great wisdom to share to the young blokes. We had some great times together you will be missed.”

According to Sunshine Coast Lifeguards, died on September 1 surrounded by family and friends after a battle with cancer.

“Terry was a charismatic, articulate character who always had a wonderful story to tell,” the group shared on Facebook.

“He was a friend and colleague to many lifeguards around the country and in fact well known all over the world.

“RIP champion.”

Emily Scott, general manager of Waverley Council in Sydney where Mr McDermott was formerly employed, paid tribute to the late lifeguard as well.

“On behalf of everyone at Waverley Council, I would like to express my condolences to the family of veteran lifeguard Terry McDermott who passed away this week,” she said in a statement.

“Terry was a much-loved member of our lifeguard family and played an integral role in helping keep millions of people safe at our beaches during his time with us at Council.

“He will be missed by all who knew him and Council is offering support to his colleagues at this difficult time.

“Our thoughts are with Terry’s family and friends.”

Originally published as Bondi Rescue star Terry McDermott dies after battle with cancer