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The family and friends of Steven Mattaboni, who tragically lost his life in a shark attack, gathered to celebrate and honor his memory. At a beach that held special meaning to him, they reminisced about the devoted father and his enduring passion for the ocean.
Surrounded by the soothing sounds of the sea, they recalled how much he cherished his family and the water. “Steve had two great loves: his first was the ocean, where he excelled as a fisherman, and his greatest was his family,” shared his friend Liam Thomas. “He was immensely proud of his two beautiful daughters.”
Standing together in solidarity, his loved ones expressed their profound sorrow, describing the heartache as coming in waves. The loss of Steven has rippled through their lives, leaving a void that is felt deeply.
For his best friend of over three decades, it was the first time he had spoken publicly about Steven’s passing, highlighting the profound impact he had on those around him.
His best mate of more than 30 years was speaking out for the first time since his loss.
“Steve truly was the type of person that would give the shirt off his back,” Thomas said.
“He was charismatic, loyal, funny, hardworking and had so many wonderful qualities that just made him so loved by so many people.”
The 38-year-old was spearfishing off Rottnest Island on Saturday when he was bitten on the legs by a four-metre great white shark.
His wife and two young girls were his lifeline.
“He was just so proud of his two beautiful daughters, and everything that he did for them and everything that he worked for was for them,” Thomas said.
Donations have poured in, more than $376,000 raised for his family.
Mattaboni’s loved ones say it’s important not to remember his life by how it was taken, rather by how it was lived.
They have been left broken but also with beautiful memories.
“Steve would absolutely want us to continue enjoying the ocean the way that he did, but also encouraging his beautiful girls to enjoy the water like he did as well,” Thomas said.
“(We’ll) continue to remember Steve in Rottnest and that place will always hold a special place in our hearts moving forward.”