Benjamin Coombes Remembered: Cronulla Father Mourned After Tragic Death at Woolooware Bay
Beloved Cronulla father and community member Benjamin Nicholas Coombes has died following a long and deeply personal battle with depression and mental illness, leaving family, friends, and the wider Sutherland Shire community grieving a profound loss.
CRONULLA, NSW — Benjamin Nicholas Coombes, widely known as Ben Coombes, was found deceased on Sunday, December 21, in the Woolooware Bay precinct, just a short distance from his family home. Authorities confirmed that emergency services and police responded to reports of a lifeless person in the area, and the individual was later identified as Coombes, a longtime and well-known local resident.
Police have indicated that the death is being treated as an apparent suicide. No further details have been released, and authorities have stated that there are no suspicious circumstances or indications of foul play.
Ben Coombes was a devoted father and a loving husband to his wife, Jasmin Coombes. He lived in Cronulla with his family and was described by those who knew him as kind, caring, and deeply dedicated to his loved ones. Friends and community members shared that family was at the center of his life, and that he found peace and joy in surfing, the ocean, and the coastal lifestyle that defined the area he called home.
On the day of the incident, residents in the Woolooware Bay area reported seeing multiple police vehicles and an ambulance at the scene, a sight that underscored the shock and sorrow felt throughout the close-knit community. News of Ben’s passing quickly spread, prompting an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from those whose lives he touched.
Members of the Cronulla and Sutherland Shire community have since been remembering Coombes as a valued and respected presence—someone whose kindness, warmth, and quiet strength will not be forgotten. His loss has left a deep void, and many have expressed their support for his family during this incredibly difficult time.
Ben Coombes’ death has also renewed conversations around mental health and the importance of compassion, awareness, and support for those who may be struggling in silence. His passing serves as a reminder that mental illness can affect anyone, and that reaching out for help can make a difference.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges or emotional distress, help is available. In Australia, support can be accessed through Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636). You are not alone, and support is always available.
