Top Australian fencer Boston Fawkes-Kotevski dies suddenly just two weeks before the proud dad’s first wedding anniversary

An Australian fencer has tragically died just weeks before his first wedding anniversary, leaving his sporting community in mourning.

Boston Fawkes-Kotevski, 26, who represented Australia in Men’s Sabre, died suddenly on November 21, leaving behind his wife Aleksandra, son Mikey, parents Soraya and Brad, and brother Oscar.

The Australian Fencing Federation described Fawkes-Kotevski as an “influential figure” in the country’s fencing community during his time as a fencer, referee and dedicated coach.

“Off the track, Boston was a proud father and a loving husband,” the Australian Fencing Federation said in a statement announcing his death.

‘We are aware that many athletes are preparing for the upcoming AFC event in Adelaide and we want to support you in processing your own feelings as you remember Boston.

“Mental health professionals will be present at the event, and we encourage you to continue to reach out to your loved ones and check in with each other.”

Fawkes-Kotevski, from Sydney, was part of the Australian fencing community for more than a decade, winning silver in the National Junior and Under 15 Men’s Saber competitions in 2012, when he was just 14.

For the next four years, he continued to compete annually, scoring four gold medals in 2013, a silver in 2014 and two bronze medals in 2016 while fencing in national tournaments.

After an eight-year hiatus, he returned to national competitions last year, winning bronze in the 2023 National Opens and 2024 AFC#1 Men’s Saber divisions.

Throughout his fencing career he also competed internationally, representing Australia at major events including the Grand Prix Seoul Open, SEA Pacific Fencing Championships and Championnats Asiatiques in Abu Dhabi.

Fawkes-Kotevski’s death came just two weeks before he was due to celebrate his first wedding anniversary with his wife Aleksandra, who is also an Australian fencer.

Photos posted online show the couple embracing as they enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife at Doltone House in Pyrmont on December 11 last year.

After they married, the couple combined their premarital surnames (Boston Fawkes and Aleksandra Kotevski) to become Mr. and Mrs. Fawkes-Kotevski.

Last week, Australian National Epéeist Squad member Aleksandra shared a photo of the couple lovingly gazing at each other as they both wore jackets with their combined surnames during a fencing competition.

“It feels so surreal to think that Perth 2025 was the last time we competed like Mr and Mrs Fawkes-Kotevski,” she wrote, referring to the 2024/2025 Australian Fencing Circuit competition in September.

Since Fawkes-Kotevski’s death, Australian fencers have been holding up forks (to represent his surname Fawkes) as they collect prizes during competitions.

Fawkes-Kotevski and his wife Aleks were pictured at their wedding last year

The couple were pictured at a match earlier this year wearing fencing jackets bearing their marital surnames

“Boston would have absolutely hated all this attention,” Aleksandra wrote, sharing photos of the tournament tribute to her husband.

“I am so thankful and grateful for all the love and support we have given to our family during this difficult time.”

Tributes have also come from the international fencing community, with the Fencing NZ Athletes Commission saying they were “devastated” to hear of Fawkes-Kotevski’s death.

“Boston has cut an incredible figure in Australian saber fencing and has always been a kind, compassionate and knowledgeable person both on and off the competitive field,” the sporting body said.

‘It’s always been an absolute joy to see Boston whenever any of us Kiwis cross the pond.

“We send our love and condolences to the whānau and friends of Boston. If this news affects our community in any way, please do not hesitate to contact the Athletes Commission.

Fawkes-Kotevski will be farewelled at a funeral service on Saturday, December 14, at the Lotus Pavilion at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium in Sydney.