Aussie cop, 37, mysteriously drops dead while at the beach on holiday with his young family
Paul Leslie Matts, 37, from Orange in the NSW Central Tablelands region, died unexpectedly on July 8 after suffering a medical episode on the sand while playing with his children.
He leaves behind his wife Danni Matts, his daughter Harlow and son Xavier, and his step-children Archer and Jasmine.
The NSW Police sergeant, formerly of Coffs Harbour, had been an officer for more than 16 years.
His widow's close friends Jenna McAtamney and Sarah Wilkinson paid tribute to the fallen police officer.
They have established a GoFundMe page on behalf of his children and his heartbroken wife who are 'facing life without their loving dad and step-dad'.
'This loss has left the family devastated and in need of support as they begin to navigate this new reality,' it read.
The sergeant and his wife's youngest child Xavier, is just 8 months old.
'Danni is doing everything she can to stay strong for her kids, but she cannot do it alone,' Ms McAtamney and Ms Wilkinson said.
Her friends explained the widow is trying to be strong for her children and is learning to financially support her family following the death of her husband.
Mr Matts's was a 'great father' and 'will be very missed by his children'.
Friends and loved ones of the family shared their condolences on a Facebook post announcing his death.
'A beautiful soul gone way too soon. RIP buddy,' one wrote.
'So sorry for your loss David and Julie, thinking of you both,' another shared.
'Thinking of you Julie ,David and family , sending my deepest condolences,' a third commented.
'So very sad to see someone so young pass away. RIP,' another said.
The officer also leaves behind his parents David and Julie, and his sisters Catherine and Rebecca.
Mr Matts's funeral will be held on Thursday in Coffs Harbour.
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