‘Australia’s nicest bloke’ Tommy Oswald dies suddenly aged 33
A young man whose kindness captured the hearts of the nation has died – a “complete shock” that has devastated his family.
National
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A young father once dubbed Australia’s nicest bloke has died suddenly, leaving his family and the online community he started heartbroken.
Tommy Oswald, nee Connolly, captured the nation’s hearts as a 23-year-old for his act of kindness by taking in his homeless, pregnant teen cousin in 2015.
Mr Oswald was also known as a talented runner and founder of Athletes Australia, a Facebook group that has grown to 35,000 members.
On Saturday a friend broke the news of the 33-year-old’s death, who is survived by his wife Alana and their young daughter. Mr Oswald took his wife’s surname upon their marriage.
In a statement, his family told news.com.au “the world is a lesser place today after the death of Tommy Oswald”.
“Tommy, 33, was a beautiful young father and loving husband, who had a huge impact on the lives of all who knew him,” they said.
“Police are investigating the cause of his death, and his wife Alana and extended family have asked for privacy during this terrible time.
“They will not be making any further comment.”
News of Mr Oswald’s death was shared on the Athletes Australia group on Saturday night.
“I am devastated to let everyone know that yesterday the founder of this amazing group Tommy Connolly passed away suddenly,” Tim Ohthy wrote.
“Tommy was not only passionate about athletics, but just a damn good human being.
“Whilst always being up for a laugh and quick to take the p*ss out of anything and everything, he was equally quick when it came to supporting a mate, looking after family or just helping a complete stranger out.”
The post prompted an outpouring of condolences, with group members remembering Mr Oswald’s passion for athletics and the way he “could light up anyone’s day with his smile and energy”.
They also praised him for creating the Athletes Australia group, and for his advocacy for the sport throughout his life.
‘Tragic loss’: Olympians pay tribute
Shattered Olympians and athletics champions expressed their sadness at Mr Oswald’s passing, including Olympic gold medal winner Glynis Nunn, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jane Fleming and Sally Pearson’s former coach Sharon Hannan.
“Tommy spoke to everyone on the ground and just loved his family and friends,” Ms Nunn wrote.
“Never too busy for anyone. Opened his heart to all. A tragic loss to the community far and wide. Prayers to his family.”
Other champion Australian athletes to pay tribute to Mr Oswald include Paul di Bella, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, Sarah Carli and Ella Nelson.
Friend, Jason Wright, wrote on a GoFundMe page started to support Mr Oswald’s family that his death came as a “complete shock”.
“I am privileged to have been Tommy’s mate for 10 years,” he wrote.
“He was the guy that helps you move, jumps on a ladder and helps you paint a gutter, picks you up from the pub drunk or goes for a long beach walk and listens to your problems.
“Many of my network and friends have been privileged to experience his friendship and/or had the opportunity to work with him and I am now asking you to help his family with a gesture of goodwill.”
A decade ago, news.com.au interviewed Mr Oswald after a social media post detailing how he had taken in his teenage cousin went viral.
Mr Oswald said he had not seen the 17-year-old for 10 years but offered her a place to stay as she faced losing her baby to authorities after a “lifetime of instability”.
“I was really excited to hear from her because I’ve always had a soft spot for her,” he told news.com.au at the time.
“She was my favourite little cousin, she was the sweetest girl and we got along so well.
“She didn’t ask me if she could stay with me but I had that day off work so I drove down to the Gold Coast straight away and picked her up. I took her to lunch and she told me her story.
“It was so full on that it made me really upset. I was frustrated that I didn’t know earlier.
“It made me want to do whatever it took to help her. It made any problems I ever had seem irrelevant, because the life she has had is so intense. My focus just immediately turned to her.”
Originally published as ‘Australia’s nicest bloke’ Tommy Oswald dies suddenly aged 33
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