Aussie tourist’s sudden death in Bali

Aussie tourist’s sudden death in Bali

The heartbroken sister of a young Australian man who died suddenly while on holiday in Bali says she is “extremely desperate” to bring her younger brother home.

Brie Rockliffe launched a GoFundMe page to assist in bringing her brother, Taylor Rockliffe, home from the popular holiday destination after his sudden death earlier this week.

Mr Rockliffe, who is from Lake Mumorah on the NSW Central Coast, was discovered on Monday. However, it is unclear how the 26-year-old died.

Ms Rockliffe has since shared several posts and updates on social media, expressing how she and her family never thought in their “wildest dreams” they would be making a public plea to bring Mr Rockliffe home.

“Taylor passed away while on holidays in Bali, never in our wildest dreams did we ever expect this to happen and never did we ever think we would need to do this,” Ms Rockliffe wrote on the GoFundMe page, which has raised almost $60k in two days.

“We are extremely desperate and we need help to get Taylor home to us. He needs to be home with his family and friends and he deserves to have a send off surrounded by people he loved so dearly.”

It is understood the grieving parents of Mr Rockliffe have arrived in Bali, and are said to be “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of support they’ve received.

“[Mum and dad] are in disbelief,” Ms Rockliffe posted.

“Our families cannot be more greatful if we tried … it’s a very, very sad time for them right now.

“Look after each other and hug your loved ones so tight.”

On Facebook, members from Mr Rockliffe’s rugby league club, the Morisset Bulls, shared a lengthy tribute saying he will be “missed as a player, as a mentor and most of all as a mate”.

“With a broken heart we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the Rockliffe Family, Yesterday We lost one of the greats,” the post read.

“Your friendship and passion echoed through our 2023 season. To our Bulls Boys & Family, Please look after yourselves at this time and support one another.”

More of Mr Rockliffe’s family said how they “felt numb” after hearing of his death.

“Heart broken is an understatement I miss you so much already,” a family member wrote.

“You were always so kind caring and a genuinely a beautiful person always there when it mattered and I could always count on you for anything.

Growing up with you was such a special gift…I’m so numb and wish this was a dream.”

Mr Rockliffe’s death comes just weeks after another young Australian tourist died in a horror hit and run accident on a remote road in Bali.

Bradley Semmens, 33, was riding his Honda Scoopy motorcycle along the Persinggahan Highway, near the small town of Klungkung on the southwest coast of the island, when a speeding motorbike approaching from the opposite lane collided with him, according to local media.

Local media reported that the rider of the bike fled the scene on foot immediately after the accident, leaving the Australian abandoned on the side of the road.

Mr Semmens, who was flung from his bike, suffered severe head injuries before he tragically died at the scene, Klungkung Police spokesperson Agus Widiono told the publication, Detik Bali.

There were a group of locals nearby who rushed to help Mr Semmens, but his injuries were too severe

News.com.au has contacted the family of Taylor Rockliffe for comment.