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Australian Ron Schneider killed in surfing accident in Indonesia

An Australian man has been killed in a surfing accident in the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia.

The Jakarta Post newspaper has reported that Ronald Stephen Schneider, 54, died on Tuesday around 6pm local time, when a wave slammed him into a rock at South Sipora.

The father of three from Sawtell, about 10 kilometres south of Coffs Harbour, was reportedly on a surfing trip with a group of friends from the Sawtell Boardriders club.

"We will all miss you Ron. A great bloke who would do anything to help the club out," the president of Sawtell Boardriders Mark Hodgson wrote on the group's Facebook page.

"Our thoughts are with his family in this difficult time. God bless Ron," Mr Hodgson added.

Family and friends have also paid tribute to Mr Schnedier since news of his tragic death broke.

"RIP my beautiful big brother Ron...God i am going to miss you......gone way too soon," posted his sister.

Ronald Schneider died when a wave slammed him into a rock while he was surfing. Source: Facebook.
Ronald Schneider died when a wave slammed him into a rock while he was surfing. Source: Facebook.

"One of the best blokes that I have meet (sic) in my entire life a true gentleman you will be sadly missed mate RIP RON," posted Mick Johnston.

"Sparkling Blue eyes, a ready laugh, always a kind word, where do you stop. He was a true water brother sadly missed but not forgotten," added Kevin Joseph Cramer.

The department of foreign affairs has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian man who died in the country.

Authorities in the Mentawais, a chain of islands off western Sumatra, were preparing to send his body home to Australia, it was reported.

Informal drinks will be held at the Southside Beach in Sawtell on Friday afternoon to celebrate his life.

News break - August 27