Adelaide’s ‘Didgeridoo Man’ Kym Abrook’s bittersweet life after fame
Wielding a didgeridoo while chasing down an intruder in his undies, Kym Abrook garnered international headlines last year. His life since then has been full of opportunity – and incredible heartbreak.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Fulham Gardens resident in undies uses didgeridoo to chase intruder
- Home invader-chasing ‘Didgeridoo Man’ back in the spotlight
- Get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
Wielding a didgeridoo while chasing down an intruder, Kym Abrook shot to fame in June last year as South Australia’s homegrown hero, with images of the half-naked chase shown around the world.
Since, then, the 52-year-old father has been using his fame to raise profiles for local businesses and men’s mental health.
Mental health has always been close to his heart, and never more so since the tragic death of his 37-year-old partner, Jaime-Lee Holms, who died by suicide in November.
His family, including his children aged 11 to 34, came together and spent their first Christmas without her recently in Mr Abrook’s backyard.
In the early hours of June 3, 2019, the father of 12 was woken by a shadow moving near the bedroom where his daughter slept at his Fulham Gardens home.
Instinctively, he leapt out of bed and grabbed the nearest object, a didgeridoo, and chased after the intruder down the street – wearing only his underwear in 7C conditions.
He and two mates tracked the suspect to a nearby house, until police arrived and arrested the 32-year-old man in the driveway.
That morning, reporters knocked on Mr Abrook’s door and the animated man re-enacted the pursuit.
The vision played on national and international television, dubbing Mr Abrook the “Didgeridoo Man”. Since then, the calls came rolling in.
Mr Abrook was grateful for the overwhelming support by the community in the wake of the burglary.
”Share the love, this world isn’t about what you take, it’s about what you can give,” he said.
”I’ve given them (local businesses) a little plug, using my fame for mental health, for people struggling or doing it hard.”
He has lent his fame – and mulleted fashion – to St Bernards Fruit and Veg Market in a video since gone viral, raised awareness for radio station 5AA’s Undies Run, and happily posed for photos with dozens of businesses.
He reportedly received a call from US talk show Ellen.
Mr Abrook said fame has “its ups and downs” but he would never denied the chance to help – even a small gesture as a photo opportunity or to fixing a neighbour’s TV.
”I’ve been overwhelmed with the response from people living here, these outpouring of love,” he said.
He joined S.A Brothers, a group focused on reducing stigma surrounding men’s mental health particularly in regional Australia.