Heartwarming act of Aussie newlywed who tragically drowned at Bali beach on his honeymoon
A man who tragically drowned in Bali had taken part in a 12km blindfolded run in the months leading up to his death in a bid to raise money for the visually impaired.
Jacob Vennix, 32, and his new wife, Kimberly Fuller, 38, were relaxing on Pasut Beach, about 30 km west of Denpasar, on Monday when tragedy struck.
He died after being washed out to sea by a strong current while swimming in the mouth of Pasut Beach in Tabanan Regency at 3:50 pm local time.
The father-of-two from Adelaide could not be revived when his body returned to shore.
“All he wanted was to marry me and love me and the boys and take care of me. I will make sure the boys know what an angel he was,” his shocked wife said after his death.
Now, one GoFundMe page founded by Mr Vennix’s sister, Claire Brown has revealed how selfless Mr Vennix was in helping others – including running a 12km race blindfolded to raise money for the visually impaired just months before his death.
“Kimberley and Jacob met in a Coles supermarket in February 2022 when Jacob saw his now stepson Isaac playing with a guide dog donation box,” she wrote.
‘Ironically, through a twist of fate, two years later their son Cole was born with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia that affected his vision.
Adelaide woman Kimberley Fuller (left) wrote on Facebook that her late husband Jacob Vennix (right) ‘was the most beautiful human being, partner and father’
It has since been revealed that months before his death in September 2024, Mr Vennix had walked the 12km town to Bay blindfolded in a bid to raise money for the visually impaired.
‘In September 2024, Jacob led the City to Bay blindfolded to raise awareness that visually impaired people can do the same things as people with full vision.
‘Jacob and Kimberley raised money for the Guide Dogs SA/NT.’
Mrs Brown revealed that her brother had recently resigned to ‘take up a career in disability services, a career that is close to his heart’.
She also said her sister-in-law will need support after his death.
‘Kimberley is always there for others, helping out without hesitation and offering support.’ she said.
“(She) now faces the unforeseen challenge of saying goodbye to Jacob and adjusting to life as a grieving single mother of two young boys.”
More than 160 donations have been made, raising a total of $17,152 to date.
On Tuesday, Mrs Fuller remembered ‘the most wonderful human being, partner and father’.
Mr Vinnex had planned to become a disability support worker before his death
Ms Fuller posted a photo of their two hands intertwined, which was taken ‘on the last night I had with him’
Ms Fuller captioned her heartfelt social media post with a photo of their intertwined hands, taken ‘on the last night I had with him’.
“All he wanted was to marry me and love me and the boys and take care of me. I will make sure the boys know what an angel he was,” she wrote.
‘Now an angel in heaven. I love you, my dear. I’m so sorry.’
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the condolences to Mr Vennix.
In a post on social media, Mr Albanese said it was “such deeply sad news”.
“Our thoughts are with Jacob’s wife, family and friends,” he wrote.
Friends of the couple paid tribute to Mr Vennix at his wife’s post, with one saying he was ‘one of the kindest, most amazing gentlemen I have known’.
Another said Mr Vennix was “such a nice guy” and that it was “an honor to have known him.”
One friend complemented Ms Fuller on her post, writing: “You have found perfect words for an unimaginable situation.
The photo shows the bridal couple on their wedding day
‘All he wanted was to marry me and love me and the boys and take care of me. I will make sure the boys know what an angel he was,” Kimberley Fuller wrote on Tuesday
‘We’ve been thinking about you all day! We’re sending all our love and we’re here if you need anything.”
Another added: “The love you shared was so special and beautiful to see, forever in our hearts and minds.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who represents the couple’s home state of South Australia in the Senate, said she was “heartbroken for Mr Vennix’s wife and loved ones” and expressed her deepest condolences.
“I know all Australians will be thinking of them,” she said.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our consular officers in Bali will continue to provide consular assistance.”
Mr Vennix ended up in a crack and was swept into the sea when his wife immediately called for help.
A local fisherman rushed to help Mr Vennix into his boat, but had difficulty reaching him due to the changing currents.
Tabanan police spokesperson I Gusti Made Berata said when the fisherman was finally able to drag the Australian on board, a large wave capsized the boat.
Ms Fuller carried a beach chair cushion into the water as a flotation device to help Mr Vennix onto land
Mr Vennix was rushed to Tabanan Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Upstairs, police at the hospital
“The victim was later swept away to the beach by the wave,” he said.
“Some locals and the victim’s wife, who were waiting on the beach, immediately tried to rescue the victim.
“The victim’s condition was unconscious.”
Heartbreaking footage shows Mr Vennix’s wife carrying the large cushion of a beach chair into the water to help bring Mr Vennix ashore.
The victim’s wife performed CPR with the help of locals and he was eventually taken to Tabanan Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
It is understood he and Mrs Fuller were married on December 21, nine days before the bizarre incident.
Photos showed the couple tying the knot at the Hard Days Night function center in Adelaide.
The couple smiled from ear to ear as they exchanged vows in front of a celebrant.
One photo showed the couple happily posing with a marriage certificate in one of the venue’s lounges.
“Beautiful day marrying a beautiful man x,” Ms Fuller captioned a photo on Facebook.
Mr Vennix described Mrs Fuller as “my beautiful wife” and said he couldn’t “be more proud” in a heartbreaking post a day earlier.