Jack Vidgen has paid tribute to Australia’s first openly gay luge player and Sydney Convicts rugby club manager Simon Dunn following his sudden death.
Police and their agent Ruby Rose Management confirmed the death of the 35-year-old, who broke new ground in both sports, on Monday.
Jack, 26, shared a series of photos of Simon on his Instagram Story, writing: “Woke up to some very sad news today.”
Jack Vidgen (pictured) paid tribute to Australia’s first openly gay luge player, Simon Dunn, following his shocking death aged 35.
‘Rest easy, honey,’ she said.
Police confirmed Simon’s death in a statement on Monday.
“At around 10am on Saturday, January 21, 2023, police were called to a unit on Crown Street, Surry Hills, following reports that the body of a male had been found inside,” police said. New south Wales.
Dunn traveled to Canada for work and found a new love in bobsledding, representing Australia at the North American Cup.
Jack, 26, shared a series of photos of Simon on his Instagram Story, writing: “Woke up to some very sad news today.”
Ultimately, he would link up with the Convicts, Australia’s first gay rugby team to compete in the Sydney Suburban Rugby Union championship, and the Kings Cross Steelers in London.
In 2021, Dunn attempted a return to bobsledding and announced his plans to represent Australia at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, only to suffer a serious biceps injury forcing him to retire early.
His efforts would land him nominations for the Australian LGBTI Awards Sports Personality of the Year in both 2018 and 2019.
Along with his sports accolades, Dunn was also known for his community work, his advocacy for LGBTIAQ+, and his work in the arts.
Police and their agent Ruby Rose Management confirmed the death of the 35-year-old, who broke new ground in both sports, on Monday.
He also called out former Wallaby Israel Folau on Sky News for his controversial comments that all gay people go to hell.
‘There is still homophobia in sport. It’s a culture that’s been created and embedded over decades and I think we’re still at the end of that with the work we need to do to end it,” Dunn said at the time.
‘Rugby is a more tolerant sport, but most negative comments [is] of football fans.’
Dunn also garnered media attention for kissing her then partner after the Sydney Convicts won their grand final.
Dunn had also previously spoken openly about her struggles, with her sexuality, mental health, and coping with injuries.
Dunn touched many lives in the community and tributes poured in after his shocking death at age 35.
Tributes are flowing for the much-loved athlete, friend, family member and LGBTIAQ+ advocate.
“It is totally heartbreaking to hear the sad news of Simon’s passing at the age of 35,” wrote Paul Flanigan.
‘My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and those closest to him. He will be missed in so many ways. A genuine, well rounded and nice guy who had time for everyone.
“True sportsman and for valuable insights into the LGBTQ+ community and passionate about giving back to the community.”
DJ and drag performer Kitty Glitter also posted a moving tribute.
“I met him as a lovable teenager and watched him blossom into a beautiful man and talented standout athlete. I am in shock and heartbroken… We all love [him] expensive,” he wrote.
“Our community has lost one of the most genuinely caring boyfriends the world has been blessed with. My heart goes out to all of Simon’s family and friends. His loving energy and his spirit will always live through us.’
Dunn was a keen athlete who wanted to make a difference in the world and he leaves a huge void for everyone he touched in his life.