Mercury Psillakis: Family of Dee Why shark attack victim speak out, he ‘saved his friends in the surf’

The family of shark attack victim Mercury Psillakis said he saved his friends from meeting the same fate in a heartbreaking new statement.

Wife Maria Psillakis, daughter Freedom and other family members issued the new statement through the NSW Police, with Mr Psillakis’ loved ones saying he “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 statement said.

The family thanked the men who pulled Mr Psillakis from the water after the attack.

“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 that have provided invaluable guidance and support during this time – your support will never be forgotten.”

His loved ones said it is “impossible to describe him with justice in a statement”.

“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.”

They remember him as a loving, devoted and ridiculously fun husband, son, brother and loyal friend.

“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 who he is so proud of,” the family wrote.

“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.”

The family remember him as a devoted person, who put his all into everything he did, investing in his interests and excelling in his pursuits because of his passion and focus.

He had many hobbies, having earned a black belt in Taekwondo and travelled widely to surf in new places.

Mr Psillakis was also passionate about rare palms and was lovingly called “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,” the family said.

He surfed every day and was a lover of the ocean, his family called it one of his “greatest passions”.

They say the surfing community, which Mr Psillakis was deeply connected to, have been supporting them through the loss.

“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,” the family wrote.

“At this time, we ask for privacy as our family grieves this unimaginable loss.

“This will be the only statement that the family will be releasing.

“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.”