Double transplant recipient Matty Hempstalk dies on flight
“Tower of strength: A well-known double transplant recipient is being mourned after his shock death while on-board a flight to Brisbane, leaving loved ones reeling.
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A Sunshine Coast man, well known for his work with organ transplant recipients, has died while on a flight to Brisbane after visiting family in Perth.
Double transplant recipient and Transplant Australia national membership and sports administrator Matty Hempstalk, 46, died on route to Brisbane after visiting his cousin and niece in Western Australia on Monday, December 5.
CEO of Transplant Australia Chris Thomas announced the unexpected death last night.
“For the moment everyone, including his close friends in Brisbane and Queensland, are absorbing this news,” he said in a statement.
“We know that this will come as a complete shock to everyone as it has to us.”
It is understood Mr Hempstalk, of Caloundra, died while on-board the flight which landed in Brisbane around 6am.
Mr Hempstalk was pronounced dead shortly after, despite ongoing attempts to revive him.
Mr Hempstalk was known for receiving an unimaginable gift when he was just 14 –— a kidney transplant from his mother.
After moving from New Zealand to the Sunshine Coast in 2002, the transplant began to fail and he received a second donation.
Mr Hempstalk was a Sunshine Coast Hospital and health service consumer representative.
He also competed in kayaking the World Transplant Games more than five times and even travelled to Spain for the event in 2017 where he took home a bronze medal.
His sister, Melissa Hempstalk, said the New Zealand-based family was still waiting for confirmation of the cause of death.
“During Covid times he ended up back on dialysis,” Ms Hempstalk said.
“We are absolutely devastated to announce the sudden passing of my brother.
“We are all in shock and heartbroken.
“Matty was an absolute tower of strength and faced so many challenges and battles along the way. Lost for words right now.”
Friend Sharon Armstrong also shared a heartfelt tribute to Mr Hempstalk.
“Absolutely at a loss hearing the passing of my beautiful friend Matty Hempstalk,” Ms Armstrong said.
“The world has lost another pure and beautiful soul.
“You were the kindest and most loving person, always giving your time to others and always before yourself.”
Ms Armstrong said the pair had holidayed together in Fiji.
“That is my favourite memory in our friendship,” she said.
“I will always keep you in my heart and I will never forget how much you brought into my life.
“I’ll see you again one day my friend.”
Mr Thomas said the Hempstalk family would release more details including funeral arrangements soon.
“Please keep Matty, his family and friends in your thoughts. He was a great mate and an inspiration to so many.”
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