Matt Dee death: Heartbreaking story behind Bondi lifeguard’s mental health advocacy

Bondi lifeguard Matt Dee spent a decade as a figurehead for popular Australian reality show Bondi Rescue, but the heartbreaking story behind his personal life and career change has surfaced following his tragic death this week. Dee retired from his role on Bondi Rescue in 2017 to focus on mental health advocacy platform FTW Revolution, which he founded to honour his brother and sister who both lost their battles to mental health issues in 2009. Dee’s older brother Jonathan died by suicide at just 34 years old, following a life-long battle with bipolar disorder. The brothers’ younger sister Rachel took her own life less than a year later at age 30, following a decade-long diagnosis of schizophrenia. Heartbreakingly, Dee’s grandmother also died by suicide when he was just 15. FTW Revolution began as a clothing and events brand aiming to raise funds for Suicide Prevention Australia.