Adelaide father of five named as Australian man who died walking the Kokoda Track

An Aussie father-of-five has been revealed as the man who died while walking the Kokoda Track.

A hiker leaves Nauro village, Kokoda Track. Picture: Getty

A South Australian father of five has been identified as the man who died while walking the Kokoda Track.

Adeilade 48-year-old Paul Miller was on the second day of the trek with his son Aaron, 17, when he suffered a suspected heart attack, reports the Adelaide Advertiser.

Adelaide veteran Paul Miller, 48, died after suffering a suspected heart attack while hiking the Kokoda Trail with his son. Picture: Facebook

Amanda Kaplan, his wife of 23 years, said Mr Miller was a passionate advocate who was using the trek to raise money to provide service dogs for returned veterans.

Mr Miller – known to his mates as “Dusty” – joined the army in 1991 and served for 25 years.

“In true Dusty style, he went out with a bang – doing something that he has always wanted to do … Kokoda,” Ms Kaplan said.

His daughter Sarah Miller also paid tribute to him.

“I still want to believe that Dad will call me and tell me every thing will be okay,” she said.

“My best friend, my hero, my safety blanket is gone, but I know his memories will live on forever and I will always be meeting people that loved and knew him.”

Mr Miller died while trekking the historic Kokoda Track. It is understood fellow walkers tried to help the man by performing CPR.

He was taken to Port Moresby’s Pacific International Hospital on Sunday night, where he was pronounced dead.

People walking the Kokoda Track. Source: Supplied/Kokoda Treks

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson told News Corp it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian man who died in Papua New Guinea.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family,” they said.

The Kokoda Track Authority was notified of the man’s death by trekking company Adventure Kokoda, and had asked local police to start investigating.

Adventure Kokoda has several treks currently underway, which can take up 10 days to complete.

Many walkers may have planned the timing of their trek intentionally in the lead up to Anzac Day next week.

Adventure Kokoda were contacted for comment.

Originally published as Adelaide father of five named as Australian man who died walking the Kokoda Track