Champion Ironman Dean Mercer has died after a car accident on the Gold Coast today. He was 47.
Reports emerged earlier this morning that a 47-year-old “high-profile” athlete had been killed in a car accident on the Gold Coast, but the identity of the deceased was not revealed as his family were still being informed about his death. The Courier-Mail confirmed that it was indeed Mercer.
Tributes for Mercer flowed on social media.
Devastated to hear Dean Mercer, surf lifesaving legend & absolute top bloke passed away suddenly this morning. Thoughts are with his family
— Robbie McEwen AM (@mcewenrobbie) August 28, 2017
The passing of Dean Mercer will indeed be felt at Kurrawa Surf Club at Broadbeach: and even more so, at the Coolangatta Gold in October.
— Adrian Cutts (@LYBASkw) August 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/unusualbrute/status/902001771609858048
Mercer is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest while driving his car at approximately 7am on Monday. Paramedics performed CPR, but were unable to revive him.
The Courier-Mail reports that Mercer’s death has “sent shockwaves through the tight-knit surf community” that his family has been involved with for many years.
#BREAKING Former Ironman champion Dean Mercer has died aged 47 after a car crash on the Gold Coast. pic.twitter.com/WybUzd6Ylu
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) August 28, 2017
Mercer won two Australian crowns, five NSW state championships, two Test of the Toughest titles and the world Oceanman Series.