Tragic new detail in Aussie dad’s Bali death
The partner of an Australian man who died while on holiday in Bali has revealed tragic details in the lead up to his death.
The partner of an Australian man who died while on holiday in Bali has revealed the tragic final moments before his death.
Zoran Vidovic, 53, a passionate and well-respected football coach and cricketer from Geelong, was on the popular island when he unexpectedly died on January 28.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Zagi Kozarov, 50, said her partner fell to his death while at the Apurva Kempinski Hotel in Sawangan, Nusa Dua.
The tragic incident happened after the pair had spent three weeks together on holiday, and just one day before they were due to fly home to Melbourne.
“We were planning a future together,” Ms Kozarov said of their four-year relationship.
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“We were talking about marriage. He was just the kindest, gentlest, beautiful, softly spoken man. He was my best friend.
“He didn’t take drugs and only had the occasional drink – he was a very keen sportsman and would never take anything illegal.”
Ms Kozarov said their final day in Bali together was a memorable one, and that everything was “normal”.
“I went to the spa with my best friend who had just arrived in Bali and Zoc (Zoran) said he was going to go to the beach,” she said.
“I don’t know if he even went to the beach in the end.”
Ms Kozarov said she received an unusual call from Mr Vidovic, which lasted about three minutes. She told the publication she was soon asked by a staff member at the hotel to leave the spa, and was then taken to where her distressed partner was and soon after fell to his death.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Michael Lymer, a close friend of Mr Vidovic and teammate at the Bell Park cricket club. So far, almost $40,000 has been raised to help bring Mr Vidovic’s body home.
Following his death, members of the Bell Park Dragons in the Geelong Football League and a board member of the Bell Park Sport and Recreation Club issued tributes for the “much-loved” member.
“The Bell Park Sport and Recreation Club extends its deepest sympathies to the Vidovic family in these challenging times, a sentiment deeply felt and shared by all our members,” a spokesman for the Bell Park Dragons said in a Facebook post.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with Bella, Lulu, Michelle (ex-wife), Rosa Vidovic (mother), Suzanne (sister), Nick Antonopoulos, and Zoran’s nephews, Aaron and Peter, as they navigate this period of mourning.”
Michael Lymer, a close friend of Mr Vidovic and teammate at the Bell Park cricket club, said he was in “shock and grief”.
“Zoran was a cherished member of our community, a beloved friend to many, and most importantly, a devoted father to his two daughters, Bella and Lulu,” Mr Lymer wrote on the GoFundMe page.
“His sudden departure has left us all in shock and grief, struggling to come to terms with this immense loss.”
Mr Lymer said the journey ahead will be challenging for Mr Vidovic’s two young girls, “but with our collective support, we can offer them some stability and show them they are not alone during this most difficult time”.
“In these moments of profound sadness, the generosity and kindness of the community can make a significant difference. We ask you to join us in supporting Bella and Lulu Vidovic by making a donation.”
“No contribution is too small, and every act of kindness will be a step towards helping these young girls rebuild their lives.”
The date of his funeral is yet to be confirmed.