Alex Pullin: Australian world-champion snowboarder dies

Two-time global champion snowboarder Alex Pullin has died whilst spearfishing in his local Australia, native officers have showed.

Pullin, 32, used to be discovered unresponsive off a seaside on Queensland’s Gold Coast on Wednesday.

He used to be handled by means of paramedics on the scene however may just no longer be revived, government stated.

Nicknamed “Chumpy”, Pullin used to be Australia’s flagbearer on the 2014 Iciness Olympics in Sochi.

A Queensland Ambulance spokesman stated: “The person used to be spearfishing off Palm Seaside. He used to be dropped at shore by means of bystanders the place he used to be handled by means of native lifesavers and paramedics.”

A snorkeller had noticed Pullin subconscious underwater on a man-made reef, native media stated.

Lifeguards introduced him to shore and known as paramedics about 10:30 native time (00:30 GMT).

The athlete had up to now shared photos on-line of himself spearfishing, swimming and browsing.

The game’s Australian best frame, Snow Australia, stated it used to be “stunned and saddened” by means of Pullin’s loss of life.

“Alex used to be a liked member of the Snow Australia group and he’ll be dearly ignored,” it stated in a observation.

“A fantastic athlete, liked teammate and function fashion, you’ll be sorely ignored,” the Australian Olympic Staff, which Pullin have been a part of 3 times, stated.

Different athletes and commentators have additionally paid tribute, with many describing him as a type and beneficiant particular person.

“The sector will omit this sort of gifted human and a double global champion with out ego and with out selfishness who’s everybody’s easiest mate,” wrote former Australian velocity skater Steven Bradbury.

Pullin received global championship titles in 2011 and 2013.

He additionally represented Australia in snowboard go on the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Olympics.