Saturday, 20 February 2010

Tragic end to trip for Geelong man who dies in Cambodia

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/
via CAAI News Media

Jessica Craven
February 20th, 2010

WHEN Brad Schmidt's mother, Sandra, received a photo of her son at the Great Wall of China, she thought the strange angle must have been because he was falling when it was taken.

"No Mum, I was breakdancing on the Great Wall of China," he told her.

It was a typical response from the irreverent and adventurous Brad, 24, who died suddenly in Cambodia this week while on the last leg of a world trip.

The former North Geelong College student had kept in close contact with his father, Allan, while travelling, asking for advice when he had missed yet another flight or train.

"He couldn't be on time to save his life," Allan said. "He'd email me and say, 'well that's another $30 gone Dad, what a waste of money'."

Allan received a text message from Brad on February 17 that said "Mate, call me" and when he returned the call the Australian Consulate answered and told him his beloved son was in hospital in intensive care.

He died the following morning from acute respiratory failure after an apparent bout of pneumonia.

Allan said he believed his son was caught by surprise by the illness and that he didn't realise how serious it was.

"When he was in Bali, he wasn't feeling well then but he went to the local doctor and that was fine," Allan said.

His mother Sandra covered her face with her arm and wept as she remembered the way Brad would make his family laugh with his indecisiveness.

"We didn't get to say goodbye," she said.

He fought constantly with his older sister Jocelyn while growing up but they grew close as adults.

"It was a honour to be his sister," Jocelyn said.

His affable manner meant he picked up friends all over the world as he travelled through Indonesia, China, Macau and Thailand and along with his school friends, they have flooded his Facebook page with tributes.

Allan said his son was quick-witted and funny but never used humour to put others down.

He is immensely proud his son had the gumption to see the world alone.

A funeral service to celebrate Brad's life is still being arranged while the Australian Consulate liases with authorities to bring his body home.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

My condolences to the Schmidt family for their insurmountable lost of their beloved son.