Family of the British man killed in a shark attack off Sydney said the beloved dive instructor and Afghanistan veteran had a “rare gift”.
Simon Nellist was fatally mauled near Buchan Point in Little Bay, in Sydney’s southeast, as he trained for a charity swim on Wednesday afternoon.
The 35-year-old’s death was the first shark attack fatality for 60 years.
“Simon was funny, compassionate and always had time for people. He had a rare gift of instantly being able to connect with others, gaining their trust and respect,” his family told the BBC.
He was a “proud Cornishman” who grew up village of Ludgvan before emigrating to Australia, and made a home here with his fiancee Jessie.
“Simon had a great passion for nature and the sea, as well as being a very talented photographer,” they said.
The family said they were very proud of him, saying he completed two tours of Afghanistan as a RAF engineer.
They would “miss him terribly”.
“Simon was a gentle, kind and wonderful human being. He was a cherished fiance, son, brother, uncle and friend,” the family said.
A great-white shark is suspected of killing the diving xjmtzywinstructor but the animal has yet to be found.
