Melbourne Father Paul Browitt dies following White Island volcano tragedy
The father of White Island volcano victim Krystal Browitt has died from his injuries in The Alfred hospital, a devastating blow for his wife who kept a bedside vigil. Paul Browitt’s workmates spoke of their heartbreak.
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Melbourne father Paul Browitt has died in hospital a month after the White Island volcano tragedy that killed his daughter Krystal.
Mr Browitt and his daughters, Krystal and Stephanie, were on a tour of the volcanic island from the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship when the tragedy struck on December 9.
His wife, Marie, escaped the blast having remained on the cruiseliner.
Authorities confirmed that Krystal, who had days earlier celebrated her 21st birthday, died on the island.
Mr Browitt and 23-year-old Stephanie were badly burnt, and flown home to Melbourne for treatment in The Alfred’s specialist burns unit.
Marie has been keeping a bedside vigil.
A spokeswoman for The Alfred confirmed a male patient had died, with New Zealand Police Deputy Commissioner John Tims adding that the loss took the death toll to 18.
“Police can confirm a further person died in an Australian hospital last night as a result of injuries suffered in the Whakaari/White Island eruption,” he said in a brief statement.
“The death of this person brings the official number of deceased to 18, 16 of whom died in New Zealand and two in Australia.”
Mr Browitt’s colleagues at the State Revenue Office are said to be devastated by the news of his death.
Community and Public Sector Union state secretary Karen Batt said she wanted to acknowledge Mr Browitt’s kindness and commitment to improving life at work for his colleagues over many years.
The Craigieburn community has rallied to support the devastated family in the wake of the eruption, with an event at the local sports club raising more than $32,000 and a gofundme page amassing almost $76,000.
Commissioner of State Revenue Paul Broderick said it was “deeply sad” that Mr Browitt, a longtime staff member, had died.
“Paul worked as a highly respected and well-liked Senior Investigator, and had been with us as a valuable staff member for 36 years,” he said.
“We have passed on our thoughts and prayers to Paul’s wife Marie, their friends and family. We are all thinking of them at this time.
“Counselling has been arranged for staff and their family members to help them through this tragedy. Further updates will be provided to staff as new information becomes available.”
Treasurer Tim Pallas said Mr Browitt’s death was a tragedy.
“My thoughts are with Paul’s family, friends and the entire team at the State Revenue Office,” he said.
“He was a much-loved employee of more than 30 years and will be so sorely missed.
“When the time’s right, we’ll be in touch with Paul’s family for any help and support we can provide. We’re standing with them during this terribly sad time.”
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An update posted by the gofundme organiser on January 4 said that Marie was “overwhelmed” by the support and thanked “with heartfelt gratitude” those who had offered support and donations.
“Marie would like to express her appreciation for all the love and support offered to her and her family during these past few weeks,” the update said.