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Footy hero who survived Bali bombings dies in freak tragedy

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·3-min read
Jake Ryan, pictured here in Italy just days before his death.
Jake Ryan had posted this photo in Italy just days before his death. Image: Facebook

A Gold Coast footy identity who survived the Bali bombings in 2002 has died while holidaying in Italy.

Jake Ryan, 39, reportedly died on Wednesday in a freak accident in Noto, on the Italian island of Sicily.

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Ryan was a prominent member of the Aussie rules community on the Gold Coast and worked as a coach at the Suns academy from 2012 to 2016.

“We are deeply saddened to hear that Jake Ryan has passed away,” former club Southport Sharks wrote on Facebook.

“We would like to express our sincere condolences to Jake’s family and friends.”

Jake Ryan, pictured here at a shrine on the Coast in remembrance of the 2002 Bali bombings.
Jake Ryan throws rose petals over a shrine on the Coast in remembrance of the 2002 terrorist attack in Bali. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

The Surfers Paradise Demons described Ryan as a “great club man”.

In a devastating twist, his death comes almost 18 years to the day since the bombings in Bali that claimed 202 lives, including 88 Australians.

He had reflected on the tragedy just days before his death.

“18 years - a lifetime ago - yet seems like yesterday,” he wrote on Facebook on October 12.

“You reflect back and I just think how lucky we were to get home. Some weren’t.

“Being on the trip I’m on at the moment is the perfect reminder of how lucky I am.”

Jake Ryan's post about the Bali bombings, pictured here on Facebook.
Jake Ryan's Facebook post reflecting on the Bali bombings. Image: Facebook

Ryan was in Kuta with his brother Mitch when the bombs went off.

“I know what pain really is after that. I was ready to pass out but was so scared of never waking up again,” he previously told the Border Mail.

“I saw some very ordinary things, people missing limbs trying to escape, being burnt to death etc.

“I think when I went back to the front of the club to look for my brother, there was no road or pavement. I was literally standing on dead bodies.

“They were also burning hot as the fire was raging. That stays with me definitely.'

His death has rocked the footy and wider communities.

“Sad day today as we lost one of the best! RIP great man Jake Ryan, never met a bloke to live life harder or better than him,” a friend wrote on social media.

Another wrote: “Can't believe it. You were living each day to the full and with such a grateful heart. Rest In Peace.”

“Love ya legend. Unbelievable energy and fun. Devastated,” said a third.

Prime Minister remembers Bali bombing victims

On Monday, Scott Morrison marked the 18th anniversary of the Bali bombings, vowing to never forget the terrorist attack.

The prime minister said communities from Perth to Sydney would gather to reflect on the deadly blasts.

“It's a very sad day,” he told the Nine Network on Monday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those.

“It’s another hard day for them particularly today.

“They never forget and neither should we.”

with AAP