‘Stolen too soon’: family pays tribute to diver who died during Catlins’ voyage with ‘favorite person’

The family of a man who died while freediving off the southeastern coast of the South Island says he was “robbed” “too soon” but died doing what he loved.

Jake Bridson, 23, of Heriot, West Otago, died Sunday while diving near the Owaka Heads, a popular snorkeling spot in the Catlins.

In a death notice published today, his family said “he was stolen from us too soon, doing what he loved.”

Bridson was hailed as a hero in 2015 after keeping a potentially disastrous bush fire at bay.

A relative believed to be her mother posted online today about her sudden death.

“Yesterday we lost our dear friend, brother, and the best son we could wish for,” he wrote.

“It comforts us that Jake was doing what he loved with the person he loved the most.”

Bridson has been returned to his family and his friends have been invited to say goodbye and have “one last beer” before his funeral on Saturday.

The service will be a celebration of life and her family has asked that no one wear black.

“Jake of all the special gifts in life, no matter how big or small, having you as our son Jake was the greatest gift of all,” his mother wrote.

Police were called near Owaka Heads, south of Balclutha, around noon after Bridson separated from others in his group on Sunday.

He was found around 1:40 p.m.

He could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time,” a police spokesman said.

It is understood that Bridson was diving with a family member.

His death has been referred to the coroner.

In 2015, Bridson was working as a laborer near Clarks Junction in Otago when a fire broke out, the Otago Daily Times reported.

He and livestock manager Jason Tisdall and farmer Jim Stevenson loaded a spray tank into a ute and used water to contain the fire.

Speaking after the fire was out, a tired and sooty Mr. Bridson said he was alerted to the fire by seeing the flames and the scared technician.

“I just saw him and I said ‘oh no,'” the 17-year-old said.

“He [the technician] he had his head in his hands.

“We lift the spray tank on the truck and drive there and fight it with a spray tank.