Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community is in shock and mourning the sudden death of trailblazing gay rugby player and bobsledder Simon Dunn.
Dunn’s body was found at his apartment in Surry Hills, Sydney, on Saturday morning he was 35 years old. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
A New South Wales police spokesperson said: “About 10 am on Saturday, January 21, 2023, police were called to a unit on Crown Street, Surry Hills, after reports the body of a man had been found inside.
“The body is believed to be that of the 35-year-old occupant. Officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death, which is not being treated as suspicious.”
Dunn became the first openly gay athlete anywhere in the world to represent their country in bobsled.
He retired from the sport in 2016 before attempting a return in 2021 before a ruptured bicep forced him to retire once more ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics.
In between, Dunn played rugby for the Sydney Convicts – an all-gay team.
He was shortlisted for the Australian LGBTI Awards Sports Personality of the Year award in 2018 and 2019. “For me, my passion will always be working for my community and advocacy organisations plus exploring further ways I can contribute,” he said at the time.
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