Family Devastated as Police Officer Dad Dies Suddenly While Playing With Kids on Beach Holiday

A family beach holiday turned into a heartbreaking tragedy after 37-year-old police officer Paul Leslie Matts died suddenly while playing with his children.

Paul, a devoted father and sergeant with the New South Wales Police, suffered a fatal medical episode during a family trip with his wife Danni and their four children. Despite efforts to help him, he passed away at the scene, surrounded by his loved ones.

The family had been enjoying a joyful beach outing when the sudden medical emergency occurred. According to family friends, Paul’s death has left his wife and children, Harlow, eight-month-old Xavier, and stepchildren Archer and Jasmine, utterly devastated.

A fundraiser launched by family friends Jenna McAtamney and Sarah Wilkinson on GoFundMe has been set up to support Danni and the children during this difficult time.

“Danni and her three children, ages 8, 7, and 8 months, are now facing life without their loving dad and stepdad,” the organizers wrote. “This loss has left the family devastated and in need of support as they begin to navigate this new reality.”

The fundraiser aims to help cover living expenses, childcare for baby Xavier, and give Danni time to grieve and adjust to life without Paul.

The family friends shared that with Danni’s permission, the details of the incident were made public to clarify the outpouring of concern:

“Danni, Paul, and their four kids were having a great time laughing and playing on the beach when suddenly Paul had a medical episode. Sadly, he succumbed to this. We have peace knowing that Paul passed away surrounded by the ones he loved the most.”

Paul was well known and respected in the community, having previously served in the small town of Burren Junction, where he was fondly remembered for his kindness and community spirit.

In 2020, local MP Roy Butler paid tribute to Paul in parliament, acknowledging his efforts in organizing a community fun day during a difficult period of drought.

“He moved heaven and earth to put on an afternoon and evening of entertainment,” Butler said. “The purpose was twofold: to say thank you and to help people take their minds off the drought.”

Tributes have poured in on social media, remembering Paul as a dedicated officer and loving father.

“A beautiful soul gone way too soon. RIP buddy,” one friend wrote.
“So very sad to see someone so young pass away. RIP,” added another.

Paul is survived by his wife, four children, his parents David and Julie, and sisters Catherine and Rebecca.