Jae Haydon, 34, from Woonona near Wollongong, went surfing Ulu bombie in huge swell on Monday but was declared missing after his broken surfboard washed up on the beach.
Indonesian authorities confirmed Badung lifeguards found a body floating in the water on Monday night, but there was some confusion as it was rumoured three other locals went missing the same day.
Dylan Perese from DP Surfboards has paid tribute to Haydon,
“Yesterday was a very tragic day not only for our local community but for the surfing community as a whole.
“Jae Haydon was surfing solid Uluwatu when he had a terrible accident finding himself unconscious and after failed attempts by a few fellow surfers to get him up on a board he was eventually lost in solid 6-8ft waves beneath the Uluwatu cliffs.
“Jae was one of the nicest most well liked and not to mention talented young guys around! He would always light the room, stage, yard whatever venue with his warmth and incredible tunes that he was so good at and so well known for!
“R.I.P jayboy you will be missed sending love to your family.”
A statement on a GoFundMe page signed by Mr Haydon’s sister Heidz and his mother said,
“To our free spirit Jae, who roamed the world and lived the life we all dreamed of, who brought incredible joy to loads of people in this world, lost his life in Uluwatu, Bali, yesterday,”
The GoFundMe page to help pay for the cost of bringing his body home, received $54,630 in less than 24 hours.
“The money raised will go to Jae’s family to help with expenses and bringing Jae home so we can give him the best send off and celebration of life. I’m sure he will watch on and celebrate with us.”
Thoughts are with friends and family
