Sports community in mourning after Zdravko Bilic death
The wife of an “adored” 57-year-old man who was found dead outside his Sunshine Coast home has broken her silence with a heartfelt tribute to her partner.
Sunshine Coast
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The wife of Sunshine Coast stab victim Zdravko ‘Zed’ Bilic has paid tribute to her husband saying he was her “everything” following his shock death.
Mr Bilic was found dead by a neighbour outside his home on Napalle St in Warana on Monday night, with two stab wounds to his abdomen.
Mr Bilic owned the multimillion-dollar beachside home with his wife, skincare entrepreneur Gry Susann Tomte.
Ms Tomte broke her silence on his death with a heartfelt post on Instagram.
She said there was no way she would be able to capture the immense grief after losing her husband, who had been in her life for nearly 30 years.
“He was my everything,” she posted.
In a statement, Ms Tomte said Zed was her “entire world” for 28 years, and he left an “unbearable void”.
“From the moment we met, both of us living away from family in the new country we had fallen in love with, we knew instantly we were each others’ ‘person’,” she said.
“We were complete opposites – and together we made a whole.
“People say I’m the strong one – but I could only be strong because he allowed me to be, and because he wrapped his arms around me daily to make sure I could.”
Ms Tomte described Zed as “selfless”, a man who would stand in the shadows and “push me forward”.
“Apart from being my world, and that of his family and close friends, he was so much to others too,” she said.
“He was an avid soccer fan – he’d fly down to go to matches with his close group of friends – in 10 years I think he missed two Melbourne Victory games!
“He was the MLP (most loved person) in his soccer teams – both in Melbourne and on the Sunshine Coast. And he loved them right back.
“He was the kind of friend who would drop everything to help anyone. And even if you weren’t his friend, if he saw you on the street he’d smile, have a chat – and if you needed help he’d treat you the same way.
“He was the kind of man who on several occasions would quickly detour when we saw a lost dog – whether on a bike or in a car – and without hesitation footy tackle them to stop them in their tracks to make sure we could get them home safely to their families.”
Ms Tome said her husband was more loved than she could “put into words”.
“As one of our neighbours said yesterday: ‘no offence Gry but he was the whole street’s favourite person’,” she said.
“No offence taken…
“If you’ve had the privilege of being in Zed’s presence, you’ll know that he was literal sunshine.
“And the world is a little less bright without him in it.”
Ms Tomte was interstate when she called a neighbour to check in on Mr Bilic, after she became worried something was wrong.
Those who knew the couple have also posted tributes online remembering Mr Bilic as the “life of the party”.
“The love you and Zed shared was extraordinary - it radiated everyone lucky enough to witness it. We are holding you and all who loved him in our thoughts and prayers,” one tribute stated.
“Zed is an incredible person. I always admired the love, support and partnership you both shared. In life and in business,” another person wrote.
On Tuesday, detective inspector Chris Toohey said police were investigating whether the incident stemmed from a possible break-in.
Zed’s boss and head of Ginger Sport, Ben Hutchinson, where Mr Bilic worked as a soccer coach, said he “lit up every session”.
“He was super enthusiastic, endlessly positive, and an absolute ball of energy,” he said.
“Kids adored him, families and venues trusted him, and our team loved having him around.
“His impact was felt by so many, not just through the sessions he delivered, but through the joy and confidence he helped children discover in themselves.
“He truly embodied everything we stand for at Ginger Sport and Quest Football Academy. We are devastated by his loss, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.”
Mr Bilic’s teammate Andrew Longhorn told this publication he played football with the 57-year-old in the Sunshine Coast Supa Oldies Soccer club and the over 35s Immanuel Mustangs team.
Mr Longhorn said players in the football team were surprised when Mr Bilic didn’t turn up to a game on Monday night.
“We were all surprised on Monday night when he didn’t turn up as he said he would, and he always did when he said that,” Mr Longhorn said.
“The hardest part for me, and I know for many, will be just not being able to say hello and laugh together.”
Mr Longhorn said Mr Bilic was a valuable member of the teams and friend to many.
“Zed was great player, left nothing in the tank and gave it all on the field. Solid in whichever position he played and always encouraging and friendly,” Mr Longhorn said.
“He was so enthusiastic and had a huge smile. A really solid character and would help anyone if he could with genuine concern. He was dependable and kind.”
Ms Tomte said Zed’s biggest legacy was left in his work as a soccer coach.
“Coach Zed as he was known, he was an exceptional male role model for the kids he worked with at the early childhood centres up here on the coast,” she said.
“Whether we were walking on the beach, going to the mall, or visiting the zoo – there would always be a little, enthusiastic excited voice yelling “coach zed, coach zed!”.
“It was so clear to me and everyone who saw this, that he was a superhero to the little kids he worked with.
“The numerous messages I’ve received from teachers and parents of “his kids” sums it up perfectly:
“He lights up the room with his energy, vibrance, kindness, humour and passion as a coach and a male figure to the children.
“We are so blessed to have worked with him.
“What an honour and a privilege.”
He will be missed by the children who are constantly asking for him and looking forward to seeing him.
A resident of Napalle St, who did not wish to be named, described Mr Bilic as a friendly, much-loved member of the street, often seen walking his dogs and organising street events such as Christmas parties.
“He was just a really warm and kind man, he was so friendly and willing to talk to everyone,” they said.
“He just exuded a love for life.”
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