The devastated fiancee of a British diving instructor mauled to death by a shark said she is the “luckiest woman alive” to have met her “soulmate”.
Jessie Ho’s life was turned upside down when her partner became Sydney’s first fatal shark attack victim in 60 years.
Now she has released a heartbreaking tribute to her beloved partner.
Simon Nellist, 35, was killed by a man-eating Great White Shark at Little Bay, Sydney, barely 100m from terrified beachgoers.
On Wednesday, posting on a website dedicated to the British ex-pat, she described him as a “one of a kind”, The Daily Mail Online reported .
She said: “Simon is the love of my life and I am the luckiest woman alive to have met him.
“He was generous and selfless. He loved me, his family and his friends so fiercely.
“He is my soulmate, and was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend.”
She said that she and Simon loved camping, hiking and scuba diving together and the former RAF gunner was passionate about the ocean and marine conservation.
Jessie said she “cherished” the memories she had of Simon and his hometown of Cornwall including spending time with his family and friends there.
She described the world as “a little less bright without” him.
The pair were supposed to marry in 2020, but the ceremony was delayed because of the Covid pandemic.
It was rescheduled to the middle of this year and Daily Mail Australia reported that their wedding was due to take place in a matter of weeks.
In a separate tribute, Simon’s family said that “Jessie made Simon so happy and complete.
“They had so many plans for their future together.
"Simon had a rare gift of instantly being able to connect with others, gaining their trust and respect.
“We are very proud of everything Simon achieved and believed in, and how happy he had become. He will be missed terribly, and we love him dearly.”
Simon’s loved ones created a website that encouraged friends and family to contribute memories of him and make donations to help cover his funeral expenses.
His death at Buchan Point on Wednesday forced authorities in Sydney to close several beaches, including the famous Bondi.
Special 'drum lines' – aquatic traps using baited hooks to lure and capture large sharks – were set up in the water.
However, they are controversial because sharks have died in them.
They also often catch other wildlife. Mr Nellist had hit out over their use in Sydney, saying they "protect no one" and "need to go".
His death comes weeks before "smart" drum lines were reportedly due to be installed which could have prevented the tragedy.
He was the first person to be killed by a shark in the area since the 1960s.
