‘So sorry’: New wife’s devastating statement
A newlywed bride who lost her husband in a horror drowning during their honeymoon in Bali has shared their final photo together alongside a devastating tribute.
South Australian man Jacob Vennix, 32, and his bride, 38-year-old Kimberly Ann Fuller, were celebrating their honeymoon at Pasut Beach, about 30km west of Denpasar, about 3.50pm local time on Monday.
The couple had been swimming in the estuary when Mr Vennix was swept out into choppy water while his wife was stuck on the shore.
Footage seen by NewsWire shows Ms Fuller trying to get people’s attention to help her husband, before attempting to enter the water with a chair in an effort to reach him, as people watch on, unable to assist.
“He was the most beautiful human, partner and father,” Ms Fuller wrote on Facebook.
“All he wanted was to marry me and love and look after me and the boys.
“I will make sure the boys know what an angel he was.
“Now an angel in heaven.
“I love you my darling. I’m so sorry.”
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokeswoman said is providing consular assistance to the Mr Vennix’s family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” she said.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong also extended her sympathies to his family.
“I am heartbroken for Mr Vennix’s wife and loved ones, and offer my deepest sympathies,” Ms Wong said.
“I know all Australians will be thinking of them.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our consular officials in Bali will continue to provide consular assistance.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed his sadness after hearing the tragic news.
“This is such deeply sad news,” Mr Albanese wrote on social media.
“Our thoughts are with Jacob’s wife, family and friends.”
Adding to the tragedy of Mr Vennix’s death, a local fisherman had rushed out in his boat to help the honeymooner, but nature intervened in the rescue.
Tabanan Police spokesperson I Gusti Made Berata said when the fisherman was able to help Mr Vennix on-board his vessel despite shifting currents, a large wave flipped the boat.
“Some locals and the victim’s wife who were waiting on the beach immediately tried to save the victim.
“The victim’s condition was unconscious.”
Mr Vennix was then swept to shore by a wave but was found unconscious.
He was rushed to Tabanan Public Hospital, where he later died.
Mr Berata said the honeymooners were swimming at a spot known to have different currents meet at the Pasut Beach estuary, according to The Advertiser.
“They are swimming on the estuary area, right in front of the entry access into Pasut Beach,” he said.
“The estuary area is the meeting point of current from different direction.”
The couple had tied the knot on December 21.
Mr Vennix had been a strong advocate for Guide Dogs Australia after the couple’s son was born with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia, a condition that severely affects vision.
Mr Vennix had competed in the 12km Lumary City-Bay Fun Run in Adelaide blindfolded, with Ms Fuller being his guide.
He’d raised $4,300 for Guide Dogs SA/NT from the event.
