Aussie dad dies after being struck by lightning on golf course
The beloved personality lost a near three week battle in hospital after the freak incident in Brisbane.
The family and friends of a beloved Aussie dad are remembering the "larger than life personality" after he was struck down while on a Brisbane golf course in what was described as a "one in a million chance" tragedy.
Dirk Kotze, 56, was struck by lightning at Wantima Golf Course in Brendale on March 12 while trying to take cover as a huge storm rolled through.
After a near three week fight in a Brisbane hospital, the father of three has succumbed to his injuries, according to a GoFundMe page set up for the devastated family.
"The trauma sustained by both the lightning strike and subsequent cardiac arrest was too significant for his body to recover," an update on the page reads.
"His family takes great comfort in knowing he is now at peace and sustained by his great faith in God with the knowledge of his final destination."
At the time of the tragic incident, Mr Kotze was resuscitated by his playing partner on the course who provided CPR before paramedics were able to arrive on the scene, the ABC reported. He was then rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.
The family thanked medical professionals "who worked tirelessly to save his life", which ultimately came to an end on Thursday.
He is survived by his wife Hannelé, daughter Dané and sons Tiaan and Duan.
Tributes flow for Dirk Kotze
The GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $16,000 for the family with many expressing their well wishes.
"Dirk was there for me when I needed it," wrote on donor. "This can happen to any of fellow golfers," commented another.
Others took to social media to publicly mourn their loss. "More than a friend. You were my brother. The biggest hole in my heart having you leave this earth but knowing you will be keeping us a place in heaven. I want to thank you for been [sic] my best friend I will love you forever," one friend wrote on Facebook.
Another mate said his passing would leave "a big hole" in a lot of peoples' lives.
"Rest peaceful my friend, your passing is hard to take in at the moment but you impacted many lives, love you brother," they wrote.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
