Overview

• Paul Leslie Matts, 37, a sergeant in the New South Wales Police with more than 16 years of service, suffered a fatal medical episode while playing with his children on July 8 during a beach holiday.
• He is survived by his wife, Danni, their two young children, Harlow and eight-month-old Xavier, and his stepchildren Archer and Jasmine.
• Family friends Jenna McAtamney and Sarah Wilkinson have launched a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate financial pressures and provide ongoing care for his widow and children.
• Tributes and donations have flowed in from community groups and social media, including a heartfelt homage from the Coffs Harbour Beaches Hockey Club.
• A funeral service will be held on Thursday in Coffs Harbour where colleagues, community leaders and residents of Burren Junction are expected to gather.