Mark ‘Reeva’ Reeves is remembered as a gentle giant after he suddenly died on New Year’s Day

It was just a normal night for the Reeves family, bringing in the New Year with friends at Moonta Bay. Then tragedy struck.

Mark ‘Reeva’ Reeves died tragically and unexpectedly on New Year's Day leaving, behind wife Maxine and three kids. Picture: GoFundMe

Father-of-three Mark “Reeva” Reeves was bringing in the New Year with his wife and their friends at Moonta Bay playing trivial pursuit and listening to ’80s music.

His wife of 22 years Maxine Reeves said it was “just a normal night”.

But, heartbreakingly, Mr Reeves – lovingly referred to as Reeva by his loved ones – suddenly lost his life. He was 54 years old.

“He grabbed my arm and was gently rubbing his thumb up and down it,” Ms Reeves, 49, said.

“Then I thought he laughed and his arm dropped and he was gone.”

Mark 'Reeva' Reeves who unexpectedly and tragically passed away on New Year's Day with his wife Maxine. Picture: Supplied by family

Ms Reeves described her husband and father of three as the “most caring, supportive, loyal, honest, reliable and friendliest person I know”.

“His exterior could be seen as intimidating but he was such a gentle giant, teddy bear, with a soul of a poet.

“He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.”

Mark Reeves on his wedding day with wife Maxine. Picture: Supplied by family

The pair had driven to a friend’s beach house at Moonta Bay at around 1pm on New Year’s Eve.

“We were having a good time catching up and relaxing, had a couple of drinks,“ the Woodcroft woman said.

“We went to bed around 1am, 1.30am and he (Mr Reeves) just couldn’t get comfortable.

“He mentioned his right arm was feeling weird, no pins or needles, not heavy, just didn’t feel right.”

Mark 'Reeva' Reeves with his mum Kaye. Picture: Supplied by family

Mark 'Reeva' Reeves with one of his specialty cocktails. Picture: Supplied by family

Ms Reeves wanted to call an ambulance but her husband reassured her he was fine. He eventually went outside for fresh air where Ms Reeves continued to monitor him, repeatedly asking him to call an ambulance.

“We went into the family room and he wanted to lay down on the sofa,” she said.

“He was telling me he felt a lot better.”

That’s when Mr Reeves died of a cardiac arrest, holding the arm of his soulmate on New Year’s Day.

Mark 'Reeva' Reeves (right, pictured with his best friends) died of a cardiac arrest on New Year’s Day. Picture: Supplied by family

“He was just my best friend,” Ms Reeves said. “We were on the same wavelength, in sync, same banter, we got each other.”

Five years ago Ms Reeves was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She said she thought her life was ending.

“He (Mr Reeves) showed me with his unconditional love we could get through anything,” she said. “He was just the best person for me.”

Mark Reeves (pictured top left) with his Reynella RAMS netball family. Picture: Supplied by family

Mr Reeves spent his time on the netball court, both indoor and outdoor. He coached many teams, at super league, state and national competitions.

“He loved passing on his knowledge and watching people thrive,” Ms Reeves said.

When he wasn’t playing sport, Mr Reeves was crafting his latest hobby – brewing his own alcohol.

“He loved making cocktails for his friends and family,” Ms Reeves said.

Mark “Reeva” Reeves was born on September 14, 1969. He died on January 1 2024. He was 54.

He is survived by his wife Maxine Reeves, three children – 19-year-old Jaxon, 16-year-old CJ and 15-year-old Heath – and his mother Kaye.

If you’d like to donate to the family’s fundraiser, click here.