The Melbourne music community has suffered a huge loss this week, with the passing of up-and-coming artist JJay De Melo, who sadly drowned on Tuesday afternoon while swimming with a friend.
According to ABC, police said that Melo was swimming with a friend at Bushrangers Bay around 5pm on Tuesday afternoon, when he “got into trouble.”
His body was discovered around 90 minutes later, but all resuscitation attempts sadly failed. His friend made it back to safety.
De Melo was slated to support US rapper Tyga during the Melbourne leg of his tour this Saturday.
De Melo worked with Youth Activating Youth, an organisation aiming to help youth of all cultures, and the organisation’s director, Ahmed Hassan, took to Twitter to post a tribute to his colleague.
“In total shock and disbelief,” he wrote. “Can’t even comprehend the fact you are no longer with us. JJay De Melo you were more than colleague and school mate. You were a BROTHER. Just can’t believe I was talking to you last week about 2019 plans and how we’re going back to work next week.”
In total shock and disbelief. Can’t even comprehend the fact you are no longer with us. JJay De Melo you were more than colleague and school mate. You were a BROTHER. Just can’t believe I was talking to you last week about 2019 plans and how were going back to work next week. pic.twitter.com/IWAoadq8km
— Ahmed Hassan (@ahmedhassan814) January 23, 2019
Several musicians, like Joel Fletcher and Timomatic, also posted tributes online.
Today we’ve lost a shining light.
Your energy was contagious, you were the life of the party, full of love and happiness. One of a kind.
I am truly grateful for your friendship & the memories we shared touring the world together.
I love you bro. Forever ❤️?@JJayDeMelo pic.twitter.com/3PoRw5bZYQ— Joel Fletcher (@Joel_Fletcher) January 23, 2019
