"RIP champion": Bondi Rescue star dies
Tributes have poured in for Bondi Rescue lifeguard Terry ‘Tezz’ McDermott after the news of his passing broke on Friday night.
In an emotional post on the Bondi Lifeguards Instagram account, it was revealed that McDermott died after a long battle with cancer.
“The lifeguard community is mourning the loss of one of the nicest watermen to don a jersey,” the post read.
“This selfless man saved countless lives during his career spanning more than 30 years working at many different beaches.
“Terry, Tezzy, T-Mac, Moondoggy McDermott… Thank you for your service to the community.
“Rest easy great man.”
Sunshine Coast Lifeguards shared on social media that McDermott passed away “surrounded by family in Sydney” and paid tribute to the “champion”.
“Terry was a charismatic articulate character who always had a wonderful story to tell,” the Facebook post read.
“He was a friend and colleague to many Lifeguards around the country and in fact well known all over the world.”
After working as a lifeguard on the Central Coast for 20 years, McDermott spent a decade working at Bondi Beach, starring in both Bondi Rescue and Bondi Rescue: Bali.
Fans, friends and fellow lifeguards quickly flocked to social media to pay tribute to McDermott and share their sympathies with his family.
“Gonna miss you Tez. If there were more people like you in this world it would be a better place. So many great memories that I will always hang on to. Think of Jo and Matty during this tough time. RIP my good friend,” a friend commented.
“So sad to hear of his passing. He always came across as a man full of compassion for young and old. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends. Memories last a lifetime and Terry has left a lot of memories for everyone to cherish,” one fan wrote.
Rest In Peace 'Ricky' Terry McDermott thanks for teaching me the ropes of life guarding,” lifeguard Trent ‘Maxi’ Maxwell shared in an emotional Facebook tribute.
“I will miss you mate, never a dull moment you were a great waterman and always had some great wisdom to share to the young blokes.
“We had some great times together, you will be missed.”
Weeks before his passing, McDermott shared a video of him singing ‘The Horses’ and laughing with another cancer patient at the Prince of Wales cancer ward.
In the post’s caption, McDermott wrote that he struck up “an instant friendship” with Dave, despite them supporting “Souths and Easts” teams respectively, and that “singing and laughing” is the “answer to Cancer”.
“Cancer can’t get us, we’re too happy,” he said in the clip.
He is survived by his wife Joanna and their son, Matt.
Image: @bondilifeguards (Instagram)