Gippsland community reeling after tragic loss of beloved Warragul dad Jake McCoy, who passed away overseas

The Gippsland community is mourning the sudden loss of a Warragul dad described as a “family man” and a lover of sports, who died while he was overseas.

Warragul man Jake McCoy, a devoted husband and father who was loved by many, tragically passed away on May 31, 2024. Picture: GoFundMe / Zoe Elsbury

A popular Warragul father of three is being mourned by shattered family and friends after he died on a work trip in New Zealand.

Jake McCoy flew over to New Zealand last week to attend a work conference on Friday, May 31.

When the 34-year-old returned to hit hotel he claimed of feeling unwell and died shortly after.

After learning about Mr McCoy’s death, his parents — Neil and Tracey — travelled to New Zealand the next day to be with their son and begin the process of getting him back home.

Mr McCoy’s wife Morgan, 29, stayed back in Melbourne with their three children — six-year-old Maddison, four-year-old Oliver and eight-week-old Ashton.

Morgan’s best friend and bridesmaid, Zoe Elsbury, said the couple built a house in Warragul several years ago, and the loss of Jake had left an “enormous” hole in everyone’s lives.

“Leaving his young family behind is unimaginable and quite hard to comprehend,” Ms Elsbury said.

Jake McCoy with his wife Morgan McCoy. Picture: Facebook/Jake McCoy

“Although Morgan was working full time in health care, she is still on maternity leave and Jake was the real provider for the family, and was a super dad.

“Cooking, cleaning, school runs — he was incredible.”

Jake’s best friends — Amy and Mick (nicknamed Buggy) — said Jake was a “family man”.

“He was such a hands-on father and would have done anything for Morgan and their children,” the pair said.

“He was a loyal friend too — he loved his mates and was always trying to organise catch ups to play golf, poker or catan.

“He was a keen lawn enthusiast and all around lover of sports. He liked the idea of DIY projects, but it usually ended in him calling upon family and friends to help get the job done.”

The pair added Jake was a “straight to the point bloke” who didn’t hold back on sharing his thoughts.

“We look back on many years of friendship fondly and will greatly miss his infectious laugh, sense of humour and quick-witted comebacks,” they said.

Ben, who was Jake’s best friend of 20 years, said his passing left a hole in his heart that would never be filled.

“He was a funny bloke, with mostly jokes at his own expense, followed by a laugh that could make the room laugh with him,” Ben said.

“He was loyal to a tee — my biggest cheerleader whilst also being my biggest critic — he always wanted the best for everyone around him and I loved him.

“He was a great husband, father and friend.

“Life will never be the same without him.”

Friend Keeran said the “very essence” of Jake was “genuine in every way”.

“A genuinely great friend — an amazing dad,” he said.

Keeran added Jake was the “perfect hubby” for Morgan.

“The guy would even randomly pop over with a home cooked roast chook and meals on the fly,” he said.

Keeran’s most recent memory with Jake was simply chipping golf balls against his garage.

“What was supposed to be a quick visit ended up a few hours giving each other s--t for how bad our golf game was and how we should hang out more,” he said.

Ms Elsbury has started a GoFundMe fundraiser for Morgan, aiming for people to donate in order to support the McCoy family in raising funds to carry on Jake’s legacy — and it has already raised more than $17,000.