- Australian athletes pay tribute to TikTok star Russell Manser
- Mr. Manser hosted many local stars on his podcast
- Billy Dib, Braith Anasta and Josh Addo Carr posted tributes
Australian football and boxing stars have paid tribute to Russell Manser after the former bank robber who turned his life around and became a TikTok star died suddenly.
Manser had spent a total of 23 years in prison in the Northern Territory, Queensland and NSW for bank robberies before turning to TikTok to speak about his trauma as a sexual abuse survivor.
The 56-year-old’s cause of death has yet to be made public, but it is believed he died on Saturday morning after posting a video on social media.
He amassed more than 130,000 followers on TikTok while leading the charity Voice of a Survivor to help others who have been victims of abuse find their purpose in life.
He also hosted the podcast The Stick Up, where he spoke to the likes of Australian rapper Ay Huncho, former NRL star Braith Anasta and high-profile businessman Mark Bouris.
Bank robber turned TikTok celebrity Russell Manser died suddenly on Saturday after rising to fame helping struggling Australians turn their lives around
NRL great Braith Anasta said he was ‘stunned to hear the sad news’ of Manser’s death after appearing on his podcast
NRL star Josh Addo Carr also posted a tribute to Mr Manser on Monday
Numerous Australian athletes have paid tribute on social media since news of his death became public, with many expressing their sadness.
Anasta posted on social media: ‘So shocked to hear the sad news today. I didn’t know you long, but during that time I saw how you changed the lives of many people. RIP legend.”
Former Aussie boxing champion Nader Hamden wrote: ‘I’m not sure WTF happened here, it came out of nowhere. Still numb because we were in touch recently, had plans. He had some big plans, ideas and positives ahead. He was excited by many things. Condolences to family friends, he loved being positive and I know he touched many lives in a positive way. It’s still raw and new.’
Bulldogs NRL star Josh Addo Carr simply posted: ‘RIP brother, god bless him.’
Former world boxing champion Billy Dib wrote: ‘Shocked to hear that @russellmanserofficial has left this world.’
Other big names from the combat sports world appearing on Manser’s podcast include four-weight world boxing champion Jeff Fenech, famed trainer Johnny Lewis and former world champion Danny Green.
The rugby league stars Manser interviewed include Bulldogs prop Liam Knight, ex-Souths star Joe Williams and NRL legend Ian Roberts.
Manser’s 22-year-old son Ky Manser has opened up about the shocking death, saying he cannot explain “the pain” he is going through.
Former footy star Braith Anasta said Mr Manser changed many lives when he posted on social media (pictured) in the wake of the news
Bulldogs star Josh Addo Carr was also affected by Manser’s sudden death
Boxer Billy Dib, who appeared on Manser’s podcast, couldn’t believe the news
Former Aussie boxing champion Nader Hamden was still trying to make sense of the tragedy
“RIP dad until we meet again buddy,” he captioned a candid selfie of him with his dad.
‘I’m sorry I haven’t been able to contact anyone, I’ve been spending time with my family and trying to actually accept this with myself (at the moment).
“I just lost my best friend… and I’m trying to stay strong for my little brother.”