Over the weekend, 57-year-old Mercury Psillakis was surfing at Long Reef in Dee Why, just outside of Sydney, Australia, when he was attacked and killed by what is suspected to be a 16-foot great white shark. A tragedy, one still rocking the surf world.
In the days following the attack, further details have emerged. And they’re particularly gruesome. According to Inspector Stuart Thomson, Psillakis lost “a number of limbs.” Thomson continued: “His body was found floating in the surf, and a couple of other people went out and recovered it but attempts to save his life were unsuccessful.”
Shocking and incredibly sad. Psillakis leaves behind a wife and young daughter. He also has a twin brother, Mike, who shared a heartfelt tribute to Merc.
“This is the hardest moment of my life,” Mike penned. “He was my Ying, I was his Yang. He was my mirror, my blood, my DNA. We were telepathic. We share the same soul. Mercury was my life, my right hand man.
“Words cannot describe the bond we had together growing up. We had our own language and shared the same dreams, literally. The experiences we had together were truly amazing. His message to all is to live life with pure passion.”
Related: Experienced Surfer Killed by Shark Attack in Sydney, Australia
Amongst Mike’s message to his brother, some of surfing’s biggest names chimed in with their condolences.
“You have not left my thoughts and prayers. I am so deeply sorry Mike. An incredibly special man who genuinely made the world a better place …. No words are enough. The community is Wrapping you and your beautiful family up in all our love. Merc forever x” – Laura Enever
“Love you both and sending everything great that i have in me your way and thank you Merc for being you.” – Barton Lynch
“Beautifully expressed Mike…sending all my love may Mercury’s spirit live on within us all” – Tom Carroll
Rest in peace, Mercury Psillakis.
Related: Surfer Catapulted by Great White Shark, Board ‘Exploded’ (Video)