Caring
Tragic details come to light as Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin’s final moments are revealed
The partner of Aussie Winter Olympics star Alex “Chumpy” Pullin witnessed his final moments as paramedics attempted to revive him following a drowning accident on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old snowboarder was found by a snorkeller on an artificial reef at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast and pulled from the waters around 10.30am. Lifeguards performed CPR for about 45 minutes, but he did not survive.
“He may have been spearfishing. The patient was initially found with a weight belt and there was equipment in the area where he was found,” said Queensland Ambulance Service officer Justin Payne.
“Unfortunately, after a long attempt at resuscitation, the patient was unable to be revived.”
According to the Courier Mail, Pullin’s long-time girlfriend Ellidy Vlug and her mother arrived on the scene to see the commotion and reportedly expressed hope that the two-time snowboard cross world champion was not the one involved.
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In a letter to the media, Vlug paid tribute to Pullin.
“Know that Chumpy absolutely loved life and lived life to the full,” she wrote.
“He lived for us - his family, our puppy Rummi, our amazing friends and the home we made together.
“He was living his dream, our dream.
“I am eternally grateful that I have lived my life with him and I am deeply saddened that his life has been cut short.
“Rest in peace my beautiful man.”
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Snow Australia, the peak body for skiing and snowboarding, said the community was saddened by Pullin’s passing.
“Our deepest condolences are with Alex's family, as well as his teammates and support staff,” it said.
“Alex was a beloved member of the Snow Australia community and he will be dearly missed.”
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