Bruno Bersot tragically dies: Tributes pour in for beloved ‘Bra Boy’ and surfing legend
A much-loved father of two and popular figure in Sydney’s surfing community has tragically died after suffering a stroke – with the only warning signs being mild back pain.
Bruno Bersot, who lived in Maroubra in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, died on Tuesday, leaving behind his wife and two sons.
Mr Bersot suffered what he thought was a minor back injury, without knowing he actually had a blood clot in his heart.
The blood clot traveled to his brain, causing Mr Bersot to suffer a fatal stroke, leaving his family shattered.
Tributes have been paid to the talented surfer who was honored as a much-loved ‘Bra Boy’ and Maroubra legend.
Bruno Bersot, (pictured center with sons Mateus and Lucas), originally from Brazil and living in Maroubra in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, died on Tuesday, leaving behind his wife and two sons.
“We send love to our entire Brazilian Bra Boy family and to the Bersot family. Bruno was My Brothers Keeper in action – devastated for all of you,” read a post on a page associated with the Bra Boy’s.
Bersot’s son Lucas described him as the “most beautiful father” in the world in a heartbreaking post.
“He fought long and hard for everyone he loved. I don’t even know what to write about because it still doesn’t seem real that someone so loved has passed away. I’ve lost the energy to cry. I am truly speechless,” he wrote.
“Daddy, I love you so much, there won’t be a second of my life that I don’t think about you.
“I’m going to miss the time we shared in the water and our daily activities. I know you would want us to be strong and move on with our lives. It will be difficult, but we will continue to make you proud. You will be in our hearts forever.
Mr Bersot had suffered what he believed to be a minor back injury before suffering a fatal stroke
“I really wish today wasn’t the last time I got to hug you, but you will always be by my side. I know you will be in heaven, surfing the best waves and having the best time with your mom and dad. Heaven got a beautiful angel today.”
Mr Bersot’s other son, Mateus, said he had lost his “superhero”.
“There are no words that can explain how I feel and how much I miss you,” he wrote alongside a series of family photos.
“You are my best friend and I can’t thank you enough for teaching me everything I know, both in and out of surf. I will love you forever.’
Family friend Kalani Silvester has since had a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs, with more than $42,000 raised to date.
The friend said Mr Bersot had died just four days after he first felt unwell, and that he had been the ‘pillar of strength’ for his family.
“Their hearts are filled with deep shock and disbelief as they struggle with the incomprehensible reality of life without Bruno’s presence,” they said.
Bersot’s son Mateus said he had lost his ‘superhero’ in a heartbreaking post
“Bruno was deeply devoted to his sons and the ocean; his love of surfing extended beyond the coast of Maroubra to surrounding communities in both Indonesia and Hawaii.”
Another friend, Mauricio Gil, said Mr Bersot took him to the airport a week ago and complained that he was in pain.
“I asked brother, ‘I’ll take an Uber’ and you said to me, ‘get real,'” he said in a tribute on Facebook.
‘Well, just today you’re gone and I can’t believe it!!! Am I having a nightmare? I know we didn’t root for the same football team, but that didn’t stop us from being the best of friends.
“I remember driving to your house last week and telling you all kinds of funny stories from when we were kids in Brazil. The ride from Narrabeen to Maroubra went so quickly. Now that I know you, I don’t think you want us to be sad!’