We, just like so many of you, have been in shock after last weekend’s tragic incident. What’s become apparent this week though was that Mercury Psillakis was so incredibly loved by his community, and that he made the absolute most out of living on the beautiful Northern Beaches.
He was a valued member of Northern Beaches Living, often taking the time to offer helpful and postive comments for the community.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who were lucky enough to know him. We’ve respectfully not reached out to his family at this difficult time, but would like to share some of the heartfelt tributes that have reached us via social media.
We also know at times like this the amazing Northern Beaches community want to do what they can to help, so we’ve added details of some events and initiatives below.
RIP Mercury Psillakis – we feel such sorrow at the news of your passing but are truly inspired by the life you led.
A statement from the Psillakis Family:
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the tragic loss of Mercury Psillakis, a loving, devoted and ridiculously fun husband, father, son, brother and loyal friend who passed away following a shark attack at Dee Why on Saturday.
This is a statement that is so hard to write, as there are no words that can describe the amazing, humourous and beautiful man he is — everyone felt it. There is so much more to say, but it is impossible to describe him with justice in a statement.
Merc is deeply loved by everyone who knows him. He was Maria’s soulmate, our best friend, and the most loving father to Freedom, his daughter, whom he is so proud of. Their bond was extraordinary, and he always placed his family above everything else. His family meant the world to him.
Merc was impossible not to love — his energy was extraordinary and magnetic, his spirit full of fun, and he created joy and happiness in every interaction he touched. When he was interested in something, he became completely devoted to it, excelling with passion and focus. He had many hobbies — earning a black belt in Taekwondo, travelling far and wide for surfing, and spending endless time with his family, making sure they always felt valued and loved. Merc also had a great passion for rare palms, earning him the nickname “The Germinator” — other members of the palm community would jokingly say he could even germinate a rock — a nod to his extraordinary ability to bring life from even the most unlikely seed.”
“He surfed every day and loved the ocean — it was one of his greatest passions. He was also deeply connected to the surfing community, which has been so kindly supporting us and sharing in this heartbreaking loss.
On Saturday, Merc saved his friends in the surf, warning them of the shark nearby. He was aware of the risks of the ocean, and while he loved surfing, he was always vigilant about keeping himself safe. Unfortunately, this was a tragic and unavoidable accident. The men who were selfless and courageous by getting Merc out of the surf – we are forever grateful and pray that you get the support you need. We also want to thank the Life Saving Club, Emergency Services, and police who have provided invaluable guidance and support during this time – your support will never be forgotten.
Merc is and will always be a hero, a loving and devoted husband, father, and family man who could bring humour to every situation. We are devastated by this loss, but will forever carry his spirit, energy, and joy in our hearts.
Thank you to everyone who provided support at the scene on Saturday and thereafter. We have felt a lot of love during this very difficult time.”
Maria, Freedom, and family.
From Mike Psillakis, Mercury’s twin brother, via Psillakis Surfboards
“This is the hardest moment of my life 💔
He was my Ying, I was his Yang ☯️
He was my mirror, my blood, my DNA.
We were telepathic.
We share the same soul.
Mercury was my life, my right hand man.
Words cannot describe the bond we had together growing up. We had our own language and shared the same dreams, literally.
The experiences we had together ❤️ were truly amazing.
His message to all is to live life with pure passion.
Express ALL emotions, whether they are happy 😊 sad 😢 angry 😠 or mad 😡
Tell your loved one’s that you love them. Hold them tight.
Get rid of the filter that hides who you really are.
He was passionate about being REAL !
He would be the life at every party. The pure energy from him could be felt in every corner ✨️
In later years he developed a passion for exotic palms🌴and one of the best at palm seedling germination in which nurseries admired and bought. @plantmadtropicals
He loved his wife Maria and Freedom so very much. Please send them support in any way you can 🙏 @avemariaap
Thank you all for the heart felt message of support. I love ❤️ you all
❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
I LOVE YOU BRO
YOU ARE FOREVER WITH ME, THROUGH ME”
From The Longy Boardriders
“Yesterday, we lost our beloved friend, brother, husband, father,and Long Reefs favourite son , MERCURY PSILLAKIS.
Merc was an outstanding surfer being club champion, had an outstanding junior career and surfed with his heart for Longy in many TAG Team events , however, it’s how you’re judged as a person in your community and wider community is way more important. Mercury was loved by everyone.
He was a passionate , caring ,loyal , loving husband, father, son, brother and friend to everyone. Anyone who spent time with him (and there’s many of you) will have a special story of him. His encouragement of young Groms,his delight of a friends marriage, birth , and celebrating all the good things in life and his kind words in moments of need will always be remembered.
In the history of LONG REEF, no family has deeper roots to the waters of Longy. Dad Nikita the Fisherman, Mum Elefteria the strength. Merc and Mike have spent more time in the ocean at Longy than any people on the planet. That’s a fact.
Merc travelled the world chasing his love of waves to Nias, Ments, Indo, France, Spain, Portugal, Samoa to name a few but no love was greater than his love for his Wife Maria, daughter Freedom, Mum Elefteria, Dad Nikita, sisters Eleni and Chrisanthy and twin brother Mike.
This is something that will have such a massive effect on our community and the wider community. Please give lots of love and support to the extended PSILLAKIS family. We lost our treasured friend and we will never forget you.
Thank you to the Police, Ambos and first responders, you are special people.
We Love you MERCURY
Antio Sas Agapame”
A Go Fund Me Campaign Has Been Set Up For The Psillakis Family
Go Fund Me Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/mercury-psillakis
Jack McCoy Australian Film Fest Tribute to Mercury
In the wake of the catastrophic event last weekend, the Jack McCoy Australian Surf Film Fest will be donating all profits from tickets and auction items to the Psillakis family from the final event of the festival.
Festival co-founder and McCoy’s son in law, Luke Campbell, has surfed at Long Reef with the Psillakis family for over 30 years and was in the water at the time of the attack.
“Merc was one of the most loved members of Long Reef and there wasn’t a day that went past that he wasn’t in the line up sharing the stoke. The whole reason Jack and I created the Fest was to bring together the community and celebrate surf culture. There couldn’t be a more important time for us to wrap our arms around the Psillakis family, and each other in this tragic time,” said Campbell
There will be a special tribute at each show so please join us across the weekend if you can’t make it on Sunday and let’s come together and send Merc off in style ❤️
Please reach out if you would like to donate any auction items in support of the family.
Aloha 🫶
For bookings: https://www.jackmccoy.com/jackmccoyaustraliansurffilmfest
