A beloved father-of-two and a popular figure in Sydney’s surf community has tragically died after suffering a stroke – with the only warning signs being some minor back pain.
Bruno Bersot, originally from Brazil and who was living in Maroubra in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, died on Tuesday, leaving behind his wife and two sons.
Mr Bersot had been suffering what he thought was a minor back injury unaware he actually had a blood clot in his heart.
The blood clot travelled to his brain, causing Mr Bersot to suffer a fatal stroke, leaving his family shattered.
Tributes have poured in for the talented surfer who was honoured on the My Brothers Keeper social media accounts as a beloved ‘Bra Boy’.
Bruno Bersot, (pictured centre with sons Mateus and Lucas) originally from Brazil and who was living in Maroubra in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, died on Tuesday, leaving behind his wife and two sons
‘We are sending love to all our Brazilian Bra Boy Family and to the Bersot Family. Bruno was My Brothers Keeper in action – devastated for you all,’ a post on the page read.
Mr Bersot’s son Lucas described him as the ‘most beautiful dad’ in the world in a heartbreaking post.
‘He fought long and hard for everyone that he loved. I don’t even know what to write about because it still doesn’t seem real that someone so loved by all has passed away. I’ve lost the energy to cry I’m truly speechless,’ he wrote.
‘Dad I love you so much there won’t be one single second of my life that I won’t be thinking about you.
‘I’m gonna miss the time we shared in the water and our everyday activities. I know you would want us to be strong and continue with our lives and it’s gonna be hard but we will continue to make you proud. You will forever be in our hearts.
Mr Bersot had been experiencing what he thought was a minor back injury before suffering a fatal stroke
‘I really wish today wasn’t gonna be the last time I got to hug you but you will forever be by my side. I know you’re gonna be up in the heavens surfing the best waves having the best time with your mum and dad. Heaven gained a beautiful angel today.’
Mr Bersot’s other son Mateus said he’d lost his ‘superhero’.
‘No words explain how I feel and how much I miss you,’ he wrote, alongside a series of family photos.
‘You are my best friend and I can’t thank you enough for teaching me everything I know in the surf and outside of the surf. I’ll love you forever.’
Family friend, Kalani Silvester, has since set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses, with more than $42,000 raised so far.
The friend said Mr Bersot had died just four days after he first felt unwell, and was the ‘pillar of strength’ for his family.
‘Their hearts are filled with profound shock and disbelief as they grapple with the incomprehensible reality of life without Bruno’s presence,’ they said.
Mr Bersot’s son Mateus said he’d lost his ‘superhero’ in a heartbreaking post
‘Bruno was deeply dedicated to his sons and the ocean; his love for surfing extended beyond the shores of Maroubra to surrounding communities in both Indonesia and Hawaii.’
Another friend, Mauricio Gil, said Mr Bersot had dropped him to the airport just a week ago and had complained of of being in pain.
‘I asked bro, ”I’ll get a Uber” and you told me, to ”get real”,’ he said in a tribute on Facebook.
‘Now, just today you’re gone and I can’t believe it!!! Am I having a nightmare? I know we didn’t go for the same soccer team but that didn’t impair us to be best mates.
‘I remember last week driving to your place and talking all kinds of funny stories from when we were kids in Brazil, it made the drive so fast from Narrabeen to Maroubra. Well knowing you I don’t think you want us to be sad!’