The tragic death of 35-year-old former bobsledder and rugby player Simon Dunn has shocked Australia’s sports and arts communities. The body of Dunn was found in his Sydney apartment on Saturday morning, according to the NSW police. The circumstances were not seen as suspicious.
Ruby Rose Management, which works for Dunn, confirmed the terrible news. A police spokesperson said: “About 10 am on Saturday, January 21, 2023, police were called to a unit on Crown Street, Surry Hills, after reports the body of a man had been found inside.”
“The body is believed to be that of the 35-year-old occupant. Officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death, which is not being treated as suspicious.”
Dunn became the first openly gay person to compete in bobsled for their country. After retiring from the sport in 2016, he started playing rugby and often played for the all-gay Sydney Convicts.
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Dunn went back to bobsledding in 2021 to try to get into the 2022 Winter Olympics. His dream was crushed, though, when he tore his bicep.
In 2018 and 2019, Dunn was one of the finalists for the Australian LGBTI Awards Sports Personality of the Year award. “For me, my passion will always be working for my community and advocacy organizations plus exploring further ways I can contribute,” he said previously.
Simon Dunn’s Death Has Led to a Flood of Tributes
DJ and drag performer Kitty Glitter wrote on Facebook, “Simply can’t believe it,” as the first tribute to Dunn. Kitty said she “knew him as a young adorable teenager and watched him blossom into the beautiful man and talented outstanding sportsman. I am in shock and heartbroken… We all loved [him] dearly.”‘
“Our community has lost one of the most genuinely kind-hearted sweethearts the world has ever been blessed with. My heart goes out to all of Simon’s family and friends. His loving energy and spirit shall live on through us always.”
Ruby Rose Management said: “Simon was passionate about giving back to the community and volunteering, he gave his time, and utilising his profile, to help multiple charities. Like all great ambassadors, he had his favorites which included Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Give Out Day and Pride in Sport.”
Really sad to hear the news of Rugby Player @BySimonDunn’s death, aged just 35. We need to speak about mental health and male suicide more often. 🏳️🌈 #SimonDunn pic.twitter.com/qDKn9COTw3
— ᴊᴀᴄᴋ (@MrJackMcLaren) January 23, 2023
“Simon never said ‘NO’ to donating his time to any organization who wanted to grow its Diversity and Inclusion footprint from Woolworths to Lion – helping them all to understand their LGBTQIA+ employees and customers better.”
“Simon represented us all, he always said ‘I am not the spokesman, I am just a gay white male telling you about my experiences, and experiences from those with whom I listened and learnt’. The sharing of these stories gives us all an appreciation of what has led us to where we are today.”
The passing of former rugby player and bobsledder Simon Dunn has shocked Australia’s sporting and artistic communities. Dunn’s flat in Sydney, Australia, was searched on Saturday morning, and his death was discovered there.
Dunn made history by becoming the first gay bobsledder to compete for their country… Feel free to leave your condolences for Simon Dunn’s passing in the section below.