A local community is mourning the loss of a father-of-three who died on a work trip to New Zealand.
Jake McCoy, 34 from Warragul, 102 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, travelled to New Zealand on Friday for a work conference.
After returning to his hotel, Mr McCoy began to feel unwell and died soon after.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
Mr MCoy is believed to have worked for a global specialised travel company.
His parents Neil and Tracey flew to New Zealand on Saturday, while his wife Morgan remained with with their three children — six-year-old Maddison, four-year-old Oliver and eight-week-old Ashton.
Jake McCoy died while on a work trip to New Zealand
A Go Fund Me Page has been created to assist Jake’s wife Morgan (pictured) and their three children
Ms Morgan’s best friend Zoe Elsbury told the Herald Sun Ms Morgan was still on maternity leave from her work in healthcare.
She said Mr Morgan was a ‘super dad’ and had been providing for the family.
‘Cooking, cleaning, school runs — he was incredible.’
She said Mr Morgan’s death will leave an ‘enormous’ hole in everyone’s lives.
‘Leaving his young family behind is unimaginable and quite hard to comprehend.’
Mr Morgan’s best friends Amy and Mick said Mr Morgan was a hands-on-father, who would do anything for his family.
They said he was a loyal friend and sports-lover and although he liked the idea of DIY projects, he would need to call on friends and family to help complete the job.
‘We look back on many years of friendship fondly and will greatly miss his infectious laugh, sense of humour and quick-witted comebacks,’ they said.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family.
‘Jake wholeheartedly adored his little family, doing everything he could to provide them with the life they so truly deserve,’ the organiser said.
‘Although Morgan and the kids will never be alone, with family and friends surrounding them forever, without their Jake, life seems unimaginably difficult.’
Tributes to Jake on the page offered sympathy to his family.
‘My deepest condolences to the McCoy family, sending hugs to Morgan and the kids at this tough time. Jake was such a great guy even in primary school and high school. He will be missed by so many. R.I.P Jake x,’ wrote one.
A second added: ‘I can’t quite believe you’re gone Jake. Truly one of the best friends I ever made at work and I’ll never forget all the laughs we had.’
A third said: ‘A great human gone way too soon. To the entire McCoy family, I am so very sorry for your loss and I hope this can ease some of the stress in such a hard time for you all. Thinking of you all.’
