Shark victim was a top doc
FAMILY and friends of Melbourne doctor Daniel Christidis have remembered his “passionate and loving nature” and as a “champion” who loved life.
The 33-year-old urologist died after a shark attacked him in Cid Harbour, off the coast of Whitsunday Island, on Monday.
“Daniel was a great surgeon, son, brother and friend, who dedicated his life to helping others,” the Christidis family said in a statement.
“He illuminated the room with his charisma and deep empathy for his patients and others.”
The heartbroken family expressed their deep grief and their gratitude for the young doctor’s life.
“Words cannot describe how our family and the community have been impacted by this tragic loss,” the family stated. “His passionate and loving nature will leave an everlasting mark on this world.”
Dr Christidis was a research fellow at Austin Health where he made an impression on everyone he encountered.
Heidelberg hairdresser Rohan Dissanayake, 64, was at the hospital for surgery when he met Dr Christidis five years ago.
Noticing his young doctor’s height, he sparked up a conversation about netball.
The two became fast friends and Dr Christidis was quickly signed up to play in the ‘Cappuccinos’ — Mr Dissanayake’s mixed netball team.
“He was a very good friend and very witty,” Mr Dissanayake said. “He was my champion. He was full of life — he loved life.”
Dr Christidis and a group of friends were starting a five-day sailing trip around the Whitsundays when the shark attack occurred.
The group had anchored in popular Cid Harbour on Monday evening when Dr Christidis and a friend began taking turns on a stand-up paddleboard.
About 5.30pm, Dr Christidis hopped off the paddleboard and into the water and was bitten on both legs. He also suffered wounds to a wrist, according to police.
Two doctors in the group immediately began trying to resuscitate their friend while they waited for emergency services.
He was flown to the Mackay Base Hospital but died a short time later.
The species of shark has yet to be determined.