Yahoo Finance 'Absolutely devastated': Aussie surfing family rocked by tragedy
Bronte Macaulay has bravely surfed her semi-final at the Margaret River Pro after the tragic death of brother Jack over the weekend.
Jack, a noted surfer himself, passed away suddenly, leaving the popular West Australian surfing family devastated.
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Jack's cause of death has not been made public.
Jack and Bronte's father Dave announced the news on social media.
"Our hearts have been obliterated as our beautiful Boy is gone," Dave wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of Jack and his mother.
Dave was a former professional surfer himself, ranked as high as third in the world in the late 1980s and early '90s.
He now works as Bronte's coach and board shaper.
Older sister Laura was also a former Championship Tour competitor.
Seven-time world champion Steph Gilmore said the surfing fraternity was thinking of the Macaulay family.
"We really love you, the Macaulays, you're the sweetest, coolest family in the world," Gilmore said after her semi-final win.
"Bronte, it was incredible courage to show up this morning, just so strong, and we're sending you all the love in the world so I hope you're feeling it."
Aussie surfing rocked by devastating tragedy
Surfing social media page 'Voltaire-Sora' wrote: "RIP jack, loved growing up with you from pre primary till now.
"The funniest, most talented human, it was great to be in your life and your families life.
"I wish you knew how much and how many people cared about you. Thanks Macaulays for creating such a guy.
"Wish we could have had the rest of life with you Macca! Can’t believe you’re gone mate, absolutely devastated.
"If anyone knows the Macaulays it's only from great things, not a bad bone in there (sic) body, never said or done anything to anyone.
"Love goes out to Macaulays and everyone else. Miss ya already mate, and I am sure a lot of other peoples best friends. In memory of Jack."
While Isaac Jones posted: "Thoughts going out to the Macaulay family, friends and the whole of the community who know Jack and his family.
"Always opening my mind up to new ideas, thoughts and ways to look at and understand things which is something I will always cherish.
"One of a kind and one of the funniest always putting smiles in peoples faces within seconds of being around you and I'm so glad I’ve got the picture of you enjoying a beer with a big smile on your face having a laugh with us last week in my head.
"You will be dearly missed Macca."
Bronte Macaulay bravely surfs after brother's death
It was unclear if Bronte, who grew up in nearby Gracetown, was going to compete on Monday.
However she showed her bravery to compete for her brother before falling to Brazilian Tatiana Weston-Webb in their last-four heat.
Aiming to make her maiden WSL final, World No.11 Bronte Macaulay posted an opening 6.00 to the cheers of a large hometown crowd on Monday.
But despite her best efforts in the two-metre conditions, she was only able to add a score of 3.00 as her Brazilian opponent advanced to the final.
Weston-Webb, who will move up to second in the rankings, nailed the highest score of the heat with a 7.15 for a combined 12.27.
with AAP
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