EXCLUSIVE
An Australian father-of-two plunged to his death from a restaurant on the roof of a five-star hotel in Bali as his partner screamed in horror as she tried to save him, Daily Mail Australia can reveal.
Zoran Vidovic, 53, from Geelong, Victoria, fell eight meters to his death at the Apurva Kempinski Hotel in Sawangan, Nusa Dua, on Sunday, January 28, at around 6.37pm.
His partner, Melbourne lawyer and mother-of-two Zagi Kozarov, 50, allegedly grabbed his clothes as he teetered on the edge, police said.
But he slipped from her grasp and crashed into a flowerbed on the terrace of the luxury hotel three floors below.
The couple was staying at the spectacular hotel, where rooms cost up to $2,566 a night, when Mr Vidovic was spotted outside the venue’s Bai Yun hotpot restaurant. Then he fell dead.
Australian father-of-two Zoran Vidovic, 53, (pictured) plunged to his death from a restaurant on the roof of a five-star hotel in Bali, while his partner screamed in horror as she tried to save him
Vidovic’s partner, Melbourne lawyer and mother-of-two Zagi Kozarov, 50, allegedly grabbed his clothes as he teetered on the edge, police said
Mr Vidovic fell eight meters to his death at the Apurva Kempinski Hotel in Sawangan, Nusa Dua (photo)
Hotel staff rushed to help him and took him to hospital by car because they feared it would take too long for the ambulance to arrive.
But Mr Vidovic, who had checked into the hotel three weeks earlier on January 8 and was due to leave the next day, is believed to have died during the 10-minute journey to the nearby BIMC Siloam hospital, 5km away.
Local police are now investigating whether the death was a suicide.
“It is still under investigation,” said Ketut Sukadi of the Denpasar police.
“Hotel staff went to the spot where the victim fell and called the Kempinski Clinic Team, but the clinic staff arrived too late.”
Medical staff reported that Mr Vidovic died of cardiac arrest after suffering multiple injuries during the fall, including cuts and broken bones.
Ms Kozarov was interviewed by police the next day and told Daily Mail Australia on Monday: “I’m grieving.”
The death of the passionate cricket and football coach has shocked the close-knit sporting community south-west of Melbourne.
He was a popular member of Bell Park Cricket Club, where he captained the third grade team and won the GCA2 third batting average during the 2021-2022 season.
Mr Vidovic was also an assistant coach for the Bell Park Dragons in the Geelong Football League and a board member of the Bell Park Sport and Recreation Club.
His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from loved ones and others who knew him.
Hotel staff rushed to help him and took him to hospital by car when it was clear it would take too long for the ambulance to arrive
The Apurva Kempinski Hotel in Sawangan, Nusa Dua (photo)
“Our grief is deep as Zoran was deeply loved by all of us,” his grieving family said in a statement.
“He will forever hold a place in our hearts, and we are determined to preserve his memory forever.”
“Zoran left an indelible impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” Bell Park Dragons said in a tribute.
“Zoran’s boundless optimism and mentorship had a significant impact on our junior and All-Abilities programs, creating inspiration and respect from everyone at Bell Park and within the broader sporting community.
‘His competitive spirit, combined with an honest and passionate approach to sport, perfectly captured the essence of true sportsmanship and the spirit of our club.’
As a footy junior, Mr Vidovic played in an under-16 premiership, two under-18 premierships and a reserve premiership in four consecutive years between 1986 and 1989, sharing the GFL under-18 goalkicking award in 1988.
Friend Michael Lymer started one GoFundMe to raise money to repatriate his body to Australia and support his two young daughters.
“Zoran was a beloved member of our community, a beloved friend to many, and especially a devoted father to his two daughters, Bella and Lulu,” Mr. Lymer wrote.
“His sudden departure has left us all in shock and sadness as we struggle to come to terms with this immense loss.”
He described Mr Vidovic as a “vibrant spirit” who was known for “his kindness and his unwavering devotion to his daughters.”
“He worked tirelessly to care for them and ensure they had a bright future,” Mr Lymer said.
“Now, in the wake of this tragedy, Bella and Lulu face an uncertain future without the guidance and support of their father.”
More than $25,000 has been raised.
Proceeds will go towards repatriation costs to ensure Mr Vidovic can be buried in his home country.
Donations will also go towards immediate and future living and education costs for Bella and Lulu.
The death of the passionate cricket and football coach has shocked the close-knit sporting community south-west of Melbourne
Mr Vidovic (left) is remembered as a ‘vibrant spirit’ who was known for ‘his kindness and his unwavering devotion to his daughters’
“In these moments of deep sadness, the generosity and kindness of the community can make a significant difference,” Mr Lymer continued.
“No contribution is too small, and every act of kindness will be a step toward helping these young girls rebuild their lives.”
“Zoran’s legacy is one of love, laughter and compassion. Let’s honor that legacy by coming together to support his most precious treasures, Bella and Lulu.”
Mr Vidovic is survived by his mother Ruza, sister Suzanna, brother-in-law Nick and his daughters.
The date of his funeral is yet to be confirmed.
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