Jeremy Wann: Geraldton surfer’s devastated family find comfort in community generosity amid Indonesian tragedy

The family of a Geraldton father who died in a surfing accident while on holiday with his mates and teenage son in Indonesia says the outpouring of community support has been their “beacon of light”. As of Thursday morning, more than $75,000 had been raised in a week via a GoFundMe page set up to help support Jeremy Wann’s family and bring his body home. The 48-year-old, affectionately known as “Jezza”, was surfing a break in north Sumatra with son Mason and friends Dan, Jay and Josh on August 8 when he hit his head on a reef and was knocked unconscious. Despite desperate efforts to resuscitate him, Mr Wann could not be saved. Mr Wann leaves behind his wife Rikki, two sons aged 17 and 16, and a 12-year-old daughter. The family lived in Geraldton until recently, when they moved to Karratha. In a statement on the fundraising page, the Wann family said: “Our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude as we write this note. In the midst of an unimaginable tragedy, your support has been a beacon of light for our family. “The loss of our much loved Jezza in this surfing accident has left us devastated, but the outpouring of love and generosity from our community has brought us some comfort during this difficult time. The funds raised will help cover the cost of bringing Jeremy home. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” The keen surfer and father of three has been remembered as a hardworking and devoted family man. “He worked hard to ensure his family had everything they needed. Jeremy made his parents proud and was always there for his sister,” a family member said in a statement. “He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have met him and had him as part of their lives. “Jeremy lived and worked on the ocean. He loved surfing, which he shared with his family and friends. “The family wants to express their deep gratitude to Jeremy’s mates, Daniel, Jay, and Josh, who were on the surf trip and watched over Mason until he made it home safely for his family.” Mason, who turned 16 the day after the tragedy, has since been reunited with his mother and siblings after the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided consular assistance. Mr Wann’s friend, Daniel, shared a heartfelt tribute in the wake of his passing, thanking the community for their support. “Much loved family man and popular friend of the surf community, Jeremy Wann tragically passed away while doing what he most loved — surfing perfect waves at a remote Indonesian island location with his son Mason and a few of his best friends,” he said. “(He) leaves behind a massive network of friends and colleagues who will miss him dearly.”