Mystery after fit and healthy Brisbane dad Dave Orange suddenly drops dead, leaving behind his wife and seven-month-old baby daughter
- Dave Orange, 38, passed away suddenly last Wednesday
- Leaves a wife and seven-month-old baby
- Top cricketer remembered for his ‘joy of life’
A fit and healthy young cricketer who left a wife and baby daughter after he dropped dead is remembered for his ‘joy of life’.
Dave Orange, 38, who lived in Hendra in north Brisbane, died of ‘natural causes’ last Wednesday, leaving his wife Kerry, 33, devastated and their seven-month-old daughter Eylea without a father.
His sudden death remains a mystery as his family awaits a coroner’s report.
Mr Orange, who played A-grade cricket for South Brisbane District Cricket Club, was praised for his ‘genuine joie de vivre, larger than life personality – constantly accompanied by a huge smile’.
“We believe Dave was the best of us,” a GoFundMe page founded by friends writes in his memory.
Dave Orange, 38, who lived in Hendra in north Brisbane, died of ‘natural causes’ last Wednesday, leaving his wife Kerry, 33, devastated and their seven-month-old daughter Eylea without a father (all pictured )
Mr. Orange (pictured with his wife and young baby) was remembered as an ‘aspiring entrepreneur, avid sportsman, one of the great loyal friends and a wonderful family man’
“He was an aspiring entrepreneur, an avid sportsman, one of great loyal friends and a wonderful family man. He will be sorely missed by many people.’
The fundraiser, which has raised nearly $75,000 so far, aims to help his young wife manage the “burden of the significant expenses associated with raising a young child alone.”
Affectionately known as ‘Mango’ by his friends and family, Mr Orange grew up in Toowoomba and was a successful entrepreneur.
He had just sold a company called Glow Worm Lighting and was running another company called Orange Electrical.
He was with his wife Kerry from Brisbane for seven years and they tied the knot three years ago.
‘Dave was the best human being, kind, generous and he loved big! He loved his family and friends and especially his girls,” a friend wrote.
Mr. Orange and his wife (both in the photo) were together for seven years
The happy couple, who lived in Hendra in northern Brisbane, welcomed their daughter Eylea seven months ago
Souths cricket club, for whom Mr Orange played for seven seasons, paid tribute to him in a heartfelt post on Facebook.
“He was one of the best teammates/clubmates you could wish for, which was reflected in the many lifelong friendships he built during his time with the nest,” the club said in a statement.
“His loss is shocking and devastating, as a club we will continue to honor him and the circles of friendship he has created will live on.”
His life will be celebrated at 11am on August 22 at Albany Creek Memorial Park in Queensland.
Participants are encouraged to wear “Dave-esque attire,” such as “a flamboyant matching outfit and crisp white habianas.”