‘He chose us’: Friends and family farewell Bondi Rescue’s Matt Dee with huge party wave

Hundreds of friends, family and former colleagues gathered to farewell former Bondi Rescue star and mental health advocate Matt Dee following his sudden death.

Dee’s ashes were carried into the surf at Bronte Beach in Sydney’s east on Saturday before they were scattered in the ocean as surfers formed a circle in a traditional surf burial before paddling back to shore together on a giant party wave.

The TV star died suddenly on September 1, with his best friend Kev Goodall saying it is believed he died from natural causes.

Mr Goodall said the overwhelming turnout on Saturday was a fitting send-off to a man who touched countless lives.

“He always made you feel like he was everyone’s best mate,” Mr Goodall said.

“He was a really well-loved, unique character. We just wanted to give him a good send-off that’s fit for the Pirate King.”

Friends and family carried flowers into the water and played some of Dee’s favourite songs as the crowd gathered at his local beach.

“All he said is, if I ever go, just make sure you guys make it a big party,” he said.

“We’re just following his wishes, and doing exactly what he’d want us to do.

Speaking to NewsWire, Dee’s father John said his son had tirelessly dedicated his time to helping people in crisis, revealing his son’s personal mobile phone was directly linked to a suicide prevention service.

John said he wanted the public to know his son’s death was not from suicide, despite the collosal impact mental illness had on Dee’s life.

Dee lost his siblings Rachel, 30, and Jonathan, 34, in 2009, who each suffered from mental illness. His grandmother took her own life when Dee was 15.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Matt than any human being for the work he did,” John said.

Former Bondi Rescue colleague Benny Davies remembered a lighter, legendary side of Dee, sharing stories of overseas surf trips and outrageous antics.