Thunderstorm asthma: Third person who died during ‘state disaster’ named as Apollo Papadopoulos, 35

A THIRD person who died during “thunderstorm asthma” has been remembered as a “gentle soul” who loved life and was the “life of the party”.

Apollo Papadopoulos, 35, died during ‘thunderstorm asthma’. Picture: Supplied

A THIRD person who died during “thunderstorm asthma” on Monday has been remembered as a “gentle soul” who loved life.

Apollo Papadopoulos, 35, tragically lost his life after what is believed to have been an asthma attack.

Friend Dee Kay took to Facebook to let friends and know “he passed away from an asthma attack and was trying to be revived at the house by paramedics for over 50 minutes with no luck.”

It comes as the Herald Sun revealed law student Hope Carnevali, 20, died on the front lawn of her Hoppers Crossing home, and year 12 student Omar Moujalled, 18, died on his way to hospital as the result of a massive asthma attack.

The symptoms were similar to symptoms experienced by thousands of Melburnians during a chaotic thunderstorm that whipped up deadly pollen, pushing Ambulance Victoria and hospitals beyond their limits.

The response to the asthma storm crisis will be probed by the Inspector-General of Emergency Management, State Parliament has been told.

Today, Mr Papadopoulos’s devastated loved ones told the Herald Sun his “love for life” and “gigantic” smile will live on.

His younger sister Bianca Becker said she was the “light of his life”.

“He was the most loving and caring person in my life. Apollo was always the life of the party,” Mrs Becker said.

“I’ve received more than 500 messages over the last 24 hours, so many people loved him and will miss him.”

Bianca Becker holds a photo from her wedding day with Apollo on the left. Picture: Hamish Blair

His little sister said her big brother was known to be a “joker” with a “big smile on his face all the time”.

“His family was his world, I’m his only sister so we were incredibly close ... more like best friends than siblings,” she said.

“We’d spend all our free time together, going out.. clubing.. just hanging out... he really looked after me.”

A heartbreaking Facebook post from one of Apollo’s loved ones, Dee Kay.

The Epping stainless-steel engineer will be mostly remembered for his selflessness.

“He would do anything for anyone... he always put others before himself,” Mrs Becker said.

“Our family is mind blown with all the love we’ve recieved during this time and we’re so thankful for the messages of love.”

Many of Mr Papadopoulos’s friends took to social media to pay tribute to their friend.

Josephine Tzimas wrote: “RIP Apollo Papadopoulos. Not only did you have one of the coolest name going around but a beautiful smile and sense of humour to always make someone laugh.”

Michelle Angela expressed her grief on Facebook, writing: “I cant believe you’re gone. What am I going to do without you. Who else is going be there for me the way when I needed it most. There’s no one like you. I’m going to miss you so much Apollo Papadopoulos.”

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Twitter: @cassiezervos