Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin dead: Aussie winter Olympian in Palm Beach accident
Australian Winter Olympics star Alex “Chumpy” Pullin died after a freak drowning incident while doing what he loved on the Gold Coast.
Australian Winter Olympics star Alex “Chumpy” Pullin is dead after a freak drowning incident while spearfishing on the Gold Coast.
The high-profile champion snowboarder is believed to have suffered a shallow water blackout at Palm Beach at 10.30am this morning.
Pullin was found unresponsive on the ocean floor at an artificial reef by a snorkeller, who called for help from a group of nearby surfers, Queensland Police said.
The alarm was raised and a lifeguard raced to assist, pulling him from the surf on a jet ski.
Paramedics performed CPR for 45 minutes but the 32-year-old couldn’t be revived.
RELATED: World reacts to Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin’s shock death
Police say Pullin wasn’t using oxygen at the time, but was free diving, and Queensland Ambulance Service said he was found wearing a weight belt.
Tragically, it’s reported that some of Pullin’s family were on the beach at the time.
A Surf Lifesaving Queensland spokesperson said a number of off-duty volunteers were nearby as the incident unfolded and assisted with CPR attempts until ambulance crews arrived.
“The volunteer lifesavers involved have been offered peer support counselling, and this support will continue for as long as needed.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends.”
Pullin was a seasoned free diver and regularly went spearfishing. Just a couple of weeks ago he shared underwater photos of himself in action off the Gold Coast saying how much fun he’d had.
“Unreal day in the ocean!” he wrote. “Whales singing & breaching all around us, hanging with great people, plus bringing home plenty of fish for the week.”
A couple of days prior to that post, Pullin shared a video of himself diving.
Most recently he uploaded a video of him enjoying the company of his girlfriend Ellidy Vlug, friends and dog as they hopped in boats to go fishing.
Pullin represented Australia at three Winter Olympics and was the team’s flag-bearer at the Sochi Games in Russia in 2014.
He was a two-time snowboarding world champion.
In a statement, the sporting body Snow Australia said Pullin was a “beloved” member of its community who will be dearly missed.
“(We) are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of triple Olympian, Alex Pullin, who today lost his life while spear fishing on the Gold Coast.
“Our deepest condolences are with Alex’s family, as well as his teammates and support staff.”
The NSW Institute of Sport also expressed shock at the tragic loss, describing Pullin as “an extraordinary individual who pursued his passion in sport and life”.
Pullin credited his family with his snow sports success, saying his parents taught him to ski at the age of three.
The family owned a ski and snowboard gear business in Victoria’s alpine country.
Tributes are already flowing on social media for the athlete.
He shared a video to his Instagram just two days ago with his long-time partner, model Ellidy Vlug.
In a 2016 interview with Buro 247 talking about their relationship, Vlug described Pullin’s adventurous and active nature as the thing she loved most about him.
“We’re into the same stuff. We can just grab my dad or my brother and we all go out surfing with our Mal boards or long boards, go climb Barrenjoey Lighthouse or just chill at the beach,” she told the website.
“We can just go and do fun adventure stuff. It’s probably my favourite thing about us.
“Alex also breaks out in song and dance all the time. He has an electric guitar and a couple of acoustic guitars which he’ll just randomly rock out and start singing at the top of his lungs and dancing like crazy. It’s really fun to watch.”
Queensland Police say an investigation into the death has commenced. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Condolences to Alex "Chumpy" Pullin's family.
— Higgo (@Higgo74) July 8, 2020
My heart breaks for Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin’s family & friends. Was only getting snowboarding inspo from his Instagram page in February. A legend lost too soon. #RIP
— Katie Brown (@katiebrownaus) July 8, 2020
Sad to hear of the passing of Olympian & World Champion snowboarder Alex “Chumpy†Pullin 🖤 alexchumpypullin The entire Olympic Family @ausolympicteam sends love & strength to his family & close friends #takentoosoon… https://t.co/8fmc2FMkMP
— Brooke Hanson (@HansonBrooke) July 8, 2020
I am so sad to hear of the death of Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin. One of the most talented Oz winter sports athletes but more importantly, a thoughtful and generous person. It was such a pleasure to know him. Thoughts with his family and loved ones. @SnowAust @OWI_AUS
— Katherine Firkin (@KatherineFirkin) July 8, 2020
Ahhh gutted about Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin. Used to get my snowboard tuned in his family's shop outside Mt Buller. Awesome rider, seemed like a lovely man. RIP.
— David Milner (@DaveMilbo) July 8, 2020
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