Simon Nellist.Photo: Queens Hotel Facebook
The victim of afatal shark attackin Sydney — the city’s first in nearly 60 years — has been identified as Simon Nellist.
Nellist, a 35-year-old diving instructor, was training for an upcoming charity swim event at the time of the attack on Wednesday afternoon local time, reported theBBC.
Local officials say Nellist was familiar with the area. He “came here and swam nearly every day,” Maroubra MP Michael Daley said on Thursday, according to theSydney Morning Herald.
Although he was living in Australia at the time of the attack, Nellist was British and a former member of the Royal Air Force, per theSydney Morning Herald. He was also engaged to be married.
“Our consular staff are in touch with the NSW Police regarding a shark attack in Sydney,” a spokesperson for the U.K.’s foreign office told the newspaper. “We are supporting the family of a British man and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
Simon Nellist.Scubathlon Facebook
Out of respect, the Murray Rose Malabar Magic Ocean Swim, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, has been canceled.
“The organising committee extends our thoughts and prayers to the family of Simon Nellist who was so tragically taken yesterday,” the swimwrotein a statement.
RELATED VIDEO: 12-Year-Old Boy Recounts ‘Terrifying’ Crocodile Attack During Family Vacation at Mexico Resort
“Dear Simon, thank you for having been on this Earth. No words could describe what we feel, as no words could console your loved ones,” read atributefrom Scubathlon, a Sydney-based social diving club he was involved in.
“You knew how to love, play and work, how to stand your ground. You volunteered your help on our courses, always assuming the most difficult roles. You supported us through sad times, joined in the fun in happy times,” they continued. “This is a huge loss, immeasurable. Our sincerest condolences to Jessie and your parents, to everyone who loved you, to all people on this planet because the world has become a much sadder place without you.”
A U.K. hotel, where Nellist worked for several years before moving to Australia, also sent their “thoughts and prayers” to his “family, fiancé and friends.”
“Simon was a wonderful man,” theywrote. “He was a valued member of staff and was always popular with guests and all fellow team members. Rest in peace, Simon. "
One of Nellist’s friends told local television channel Seven News that the diving instructor was “due to get married last year,” but had to push back the ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s just horrendous,” Della Ross told the channel. “The news hit us like a truck because he was one of the people who make this earth lighter.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
State authorities believe the shark responsible for the attack was a 3 meter-long great white, per the BBC.
“To lose someone to a shark attack like this is chilling,” Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said in a previousstatement. “We are all in shock.”
source: people.com
