There will be a fund-raiser for the family of a Sutherland Shire man who died during a skydiving accident last week.
Tony Rokov, 44, a skydiving instructor from Woolooware, former special operations soldier and father, died after he plunged to the ground while tandem skydiving on Saturday afternoon at Goulburn Airport.
More than $30,000 has been raised so far by the community on the Go Fund Me appeal page, to help his widow Sam, who he met when they were teenagers, and their three children Tori, Mikala and Jensen.
Mr Rokov was described as a passionate family man, who ‘‘always had time for anyone and was the type of guy to give you the shirt off his own back.’’
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the parents of the Canberra teenager who was critically injured in the weekend accident say they will be forever grateful to the instructor and "incredible hero" to whom their son owed his life.
A sudden gust of wind on Saturday November 21, swept Elijah Arranz and Adrenalin Skydive instructor Tony Rokov - who were tandem skydiving - into an uncontrollable freefall about 10 metres above the ground.
It is believed Mr Rokov, 44, wrapped himself around Elijah to cushion him from impact. He died at the scene.
"We have no doubt whatsoever that [Mr Rokov's] selfless actions and his decades of experience saved Elijah's life," Elijah's family said.
"He is an incredible hero. We cannot begin to express our thanks and our sorrow to his family."
The Go Fund Me page said: ‘‘While serving his country in some of the world’s most hostile places Tony put himself in danger countless times to protect others.Tony was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.’’
Details for the Rokov family fundraiser: gofundme.com/zbbhvxv5
