Matt Dee, a former Bondi Rescue lifeguard and familiar face to fans of the hit Australian reality series, has died at the age of 47. FTW Revolution, the business he helped establish, announced his passing in an emotional Instagram statement on Wednesday (September 2), saying the team was sharing the devastating news “with the heaviest of hearts.”
In its tribute, the company remembered Dee as someone who made a lasting impact on countless people. The statement praised his meaningful work and said he would be deeply missed, while adding that funeral plans and further details would be made public once arrangements had been confirmed.
FTW Revolution also thanked supporters for the many messages, condolences and tributes sent in Dee’s memory. The statement included a compassionate note to anyone affected by the news, encouraging those experiencing difficult emotions to seek help and reminding fans that they did not have to cope alone.
“Support is available,” the message continued, urging people to contact someone they trust or reach out to professional support services if they needed assistance. Dee’s cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. He became widely known through Bondi Rescue, where viewers came to recognise him as one of the show’s much-loved personalities.
Bondi Rescue follows the Waverley Council lifeguards as they protect swimmers and visitors at Sydney’s world-famous Bondi Beach. Dee appeared on the long-running Australian TV series across episodes aired between 2008 and 2017, becoming part of the show’s enduring legacy.
Shortly after the tragic news hit the airwaves, his famous friends and loyal legion of fans flocked to the comments section to pay tribute to Dee. Leading the tributes was former lifeguard Trent Maxwell, who penned: “Rest easy brother”, while another wrote: “Oh Matt… bloody hell, lovely. Rest gently, dear one.”
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A third chimed in with: “Damn. Matty was one of a kind. Rest easy mate”, as Mark Miccoli commented: “Rip my mate, Matt Dee. We had so much fun surfing and running amok together growing up. You definitely lived life to the fullest. See you in the next life, legend Spikas.”
Dee co-founded the clothing and events brand, FTW Revolution, as a suicide prevention resource for young Australians. He was also an ambassador for Suicide Prevention Australia. His younger sister Rachel Bridger Dee, who had been living with schizophrenia, sadly died aged 30 in December 2009.
One of Rachel’s friends commented on her heartbreak: “Oh gosh, this is so sad to read. I am from NZ and lived in Melbourne back in the 90s. Matt’s sister Rachel was one of my best friends. I moved back to NZ and was devastated to read about not only Rachel’s passing but also their brother Jon.
“And now Matt. Please know you and your Bridger-Dee family will always have a special place in my heart from this little gal in NZ. R.I.P JON, MATT & RACHEL BRIDGER-DEE.” Dee’s older brother Jonathan, who had bipolar disorder, also died aged 34 just months earlier.
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email _ jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch