Profound shock: Australian mum dies suddenly on holiday in France with family

The dedicated mother was a life-saver for the Bondi Surf Club, where she competed and volunteered for over 20 years.

Mum Louise was a member and volunteer of the Bondi Surf Club for over 20 years. Source: Facebook

An Australian family is in mourning after a mum suddenly passed away on holiday in France. 

Louise Santos, 54, was celebrating her birthday just 10 days earlier and was enjoying a holiday with her husband Stuart and son Josh. 

The dedicated mother was a life-saver for the Bondi Surf Club, where she competed and volunteered for over 20 years. 

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Mum Louise was a member and volunteer of the Bondi Surf Club for over 20 years. Source: Facebook

Mum remembered for her “unwavering dedication” to the community

President of Bondi Surf Club, Brent Jackson, described Louise as an integral part of the community who played a pivotal role in planning the upcoming season for the surf club. 

“The entire club stands in profound shock, grappling with the void left by Louise’s passing,” Jackon said. 

“Her influence reverberated through countless aspects of our club, and her absence will be profoundly felt by each and every one of us. 

“Louise's legacy is one of unwavering dedication and the profound impact she had on our club's journey,” he said. 

Nearly 200 people have paid tribute to the late mother, with friends and family describing her as a “humble, enthusiastic, cheerful” person. The cause of Louise’s death has not been revealed.

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Louise was a sporting champion. Source: Facebook

Tributes flow for “humble, enthusiastic, cheerful” mum

The Australian mum was known for her incredible sporting prowess and was a gifted athlete from the jump. 

She was named the first female Ironwoman gold medallist in Bondi in the age bracket between 35-39 and competed in more than 40 Australian Masters and World Masters Surf Life Saving events, earning several medals in her journey. 

Louise competed in the Coolangatta Gold Long Course on several occasions, coming in second in 2018 for her age group, and was the first female at Bondi to complete the “gruelling” Gold Medallion. 

“Louise was just one of those special people we were lucky to have in our life,” a close friend shared on social media. “To become the first female life member of the oldest Surf Lifesaving Club was one of hers and our proudest moments as club mates.”  

In honour of the mum’s passing, the club lowered their flag half mast and held a minute silence on Wednesday morning, with club members taking to the ocean to pay their respects. 

A candlelit memorial was held on Wednesday evening.

“Her kindness, dedication, and infectious spirit made her an integral part of our Bondi Nippers family,” read a tribute to the late mum. 

“She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, positivity, and camaraderie that will forever be etched in our hearts.”

Originally published as Profound shock: Australian mum dies suddenly on holiday in France with family