Aussie cop, 29, mysteriously passes away in his sleep
Harry Baker died 'sadly and unexpectedly' despite being a 'happy and healthy young man'.
The family of a Victorian police officer are desperate for answers after the 29-year-old died suddenly in his sleep last week.
Harry Baker and his girlfriend Kate Osmond, 28, had recently bought their "forever home" in Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula and were ready to start a family. However, Kate woke on Thursday morning to find her partner unresponsive.
Now, the devastated Kate — also an officer with Victoria Police where she met Harry four years ago — is scrambling for answers with Harry's cause of death still unknown. The family said the 29-year-old died "sadly and unexpectedly" despite being a "happy and healthy young man".
Devastated partner 'left to pick up the pieces'
The tragedy "has left a void that will never be filled," Kate's father shared on Facebook following the heartbreaking incident. "We lost a true gentleman. Loved and respected by everyone who knew him," he wrote.
Kate, who's been "left to pick up the pieces", told the Herald Sun family and friends are in "disarray" following their "devastating loss".
"He would drive me crazy sometimes with his carefree attitude. No one has ever made me feel more loved than he did," she said.
Officer had 'whole world at his feet' before 'unexpected' death
A good friend and former squad member Chris Rice told Yahoo News Australia Kate and Harry's family "are in shock". "It's been a huge loss to the blue family too," he said.
Chris started a GoFundMe for Kate which has so far raised more than $23,000. He said his mate had "the whole world at his feet" and had just scored his dream job.
"Harry had his whole life planned out. Start a family and travel the world,” he said. "This is just so unexpected.”
He said the loss of his mate "has sent shockwaves and a flurry of emotions and unanswered questions".
Young couple 'inseparable' after meeting four years ago
According to friends, Kate and Harry became "inseparable" shortly after meeting while training together at the police academy.
"They were two like-minded and caring souls with a passion for helping others within their community. As their romance blossomed the pair became inseparable," Chris wrote on the GoFundMe page.
Harry is remembered for his "larger-than-life" personality He was "very much loved and adored by those whose lives he touched, both personally and professionally".
The 29-year-old served in the force "diligently" and "with pride and respect". "He was a hard-working and dedicated police officer who loved serving his community and helping others," Chris added.
Posting a tribute on Facebook, his friend wrote, "You've left a massive hole in all of us mate. Words cannot comprehend the grief and sadness right now".
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