A young father and founder of a popular Facebook group has died, leaving his family and the online community he created in shock and heartbreak.
Tommy Connolly, 33, was known for his kindness and generosity, and was dubbed “Australia’s nicest bloke” after taking in his homeless, pregnant teenage cousin in 2015.
A Passionate Runner and Dedicated Family Man
Connolly was also a talented runner and founder of Athletes Australia, a Facebook group with over 35,000 members.
A friend broke the news of his death on Saturday, saying he was survived by his wife Alana and their young daughter.
Connolly’s cause of death has not been revealed.
A Heart of Gold
Tim Ohthy, a friend of Connolly’s, remembered him as “a damn good human being” who was always willing to help others.
“Whilst always being up for a laugh and quick to take the p*ss out of anything and everything, he was equally quick when it came to supporting a mate, looking after family or just helping a complete stranger out,” Ohthy wrote.
Tributes Pour In
The news of Connolly’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences, with group members remembering his passion for athletics and his infectious smile and energy.
Another friend, Jason Wright, wrote on a GoFundMe page started to support Connolly’s family that his death came as a “complete shock”.
“He was the guy that helps you move, jumps on a ladder and helps you paint a gutter, picks you up from the pub drunk or goes for a long beach walk and listens to your problems,” Wright wrote.
A Selfless Act of Kindness
A decade ago, Connolly made headlines after taking in his teenage cousin, who was homeless and pregnant, and giving her a place to stay.
At the time, Connolly told news.com.au that he was motivated by a desire to help his cousin, who had faced a lifetime of instability.
“It made me want to do whatever it took to help her. It made any problems I ever had seem irrelevant, because the life she has had is so intense,” he said.