Dee appeared on the Australian reality series Bondi Rescue from 2008 to 2017.
The news was announced on Wednesday morning on the FTW Revolution Instagram page.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our Matt Dee,” the statement said. “Matt touched the lives of many; he also did amazing work, and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.”
FTW Revolution, a clothing brand linked to Suicide Prevention Australia, said Dee was an ambassador for the organisation. Funeral arrangements will be made public once they are finalised.
The page also asked for patience with messages and tributes, and urged anyone struggling after the news to seek support.
Dee became a passionate mental health advocate after losing both his brother and sister within a year. His younger sister, Rachel Bridger Dee, died in December 2009 at the age of 30 after living with schizophrenia for about a decade. His older brother, Jonathan, who had bipolar disorder, died months earlier at 34.
Dee was two years younger than Jonathan and three years older than Rachel. Their single mother raised the family in Melbourne, and they holidayed in Torquay, where they learned to surf.
In a 2011 interview with The Sun-Herald, Dee said of his siblings’ deaths:
“What happened was not their fault. They did their best to manage their illnesses. It wasn’t their fault. They had a problem inside their heads. It’s something we don’t understand. How would we know what it’s like?”
He spoke openly about the guilt he carried and the feeling that he could have done more. He was also an ambassador for the Schizophrenia Research Institute.
Tributes poured in after the announcement, with many describing him as “one of a kind.”
“Rest easy, Matt. You were always my favourite lifeguard, and my admiration has only grown after learning and seeing what you stood for,” one person wrote.
Another said: “RIP Matty Dee, your humour and heroism will be missed and remembered every day.”
A third wrote: “RIP my mate Matt Dee. We had so much fun surfing and running a muck together growing up. You definitely lived life to the fullest; see you in the next life, legend Spikas.”
If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, support is available. In Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) or text 0477 13 11 14.
