It still feels surreal that Jai is gone.
He was the type of person you assumed would always be around, larger than life, always putting on a show and forever making everyone around him feel like the most important person in the room.
But that’s who he was—a perfectionist in every sense, especially when it came to his image and those he cared about.
Jai Evans first reached out to me in 2015 when I was running my blog, Hollywood Treatment.
He invited me to the re-launch of Cruise Bar and from that moment we clicked.
What started as a work relationship quickly evolved into something much more—late nights of laughter, fine wine, and gossip sessions that lasted into the early hours of the morning.
He always offered me his apartment to stay the night. There was always an empty spare bedroom there (with an amazing view).
Jai had a way of making you feel like his confidant, but at the same time he was fiercely private with his inner circle.
I was with PR icon Jai Evans days before his tragic death. Here’s what I remember about the flamboyant entertainment personality. Pictured with Jai on August 22
Over the years, Jai became a constant in my life, always inviting me to the most exclusive red carpet events, parties and launches.
He had a reputation in the industry for knowing exactly how to take care of talent and media alike with whatever their problems were.
He was the ‘fixer’ and had answers for everything.
What started as a work relationship quickly evolved into something much more—late nights of laughter, fine wine, and gossip sessions that lasted into the early hours of the morning
He invited me to his MAXIM party and encouraged me to bring a few of my reality star friends along. (Pictured with Nasser Sultan, Cody Bromley and Olivia Frazer)\
Every party he threw was unforgettable—glamorous, over the top, but always with an intimate touch that made you feel special.
In 2019, he invited me to Runaway The Label’s Hot Summer Collection launch at Cruise Bar, and once again, we picked up where we left off.
But it was in 2022 when we really reconnected.
He invited me to his MAXIM party and encouraged me to bring a few of my reality star friends along.
True to form, Jai had reserved a booth for us—a gesture that perfectly encapsulated his character.
He was always looking after his friends, never expecting anything in return and never pushing for media coverage. He just wanted everyone to have fun.
What I loved most about Jai was that he was old school. He didn’t chase headlines or beg for attention.
He just loved creating experiences and those who knew him well respected that.
I’ll never forget the night we spent at Franca, an upscale French restaurant in Sydney’s Potts Point
I’ll never forget the night we spent at Franca, an upscale French restaurant in Sydney’s Potts Point.
It was meant to be a belated birthday celebration for me, but Jai being Jai he insisted I meet him at his apartment beforehand.
Jai had an immaculate unit with stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Eastern suburbs—he was so proud of it, always showing off those views.
But that night he was more concerned with my outfit than the view.
‘You can’t wear that cheap ripped jumper,’ he said, dragging me over to his wardrobe.
I was ready to head home, and when I tried to return his fur coat, he kept telling me to keep it, even mentioning that it was a gift from his mother
I asked him if he was embarrassed to be seen with me wearing cheap clothes and he said of course not.
He insisted I wear one of his prized $18,000 black fur coats. I wasn’t sure it suited me, but to keep him happy, I put it on.
At dinner, he kept reminding me to take care of the coat, checking in as if it were a newborn baby.
Jai was all smiles, laughing and chatting with everyone, but I noticed something was off.
He ordered a drink, despite having told me not long ago that he was trying to stay sober.
The evening was a whirlwind of laughter, but underneath it all, there was something quietly haunting.
As the night drew to a close, the bill arrived— nearly $2,000. Of course, Jai insisted on looking after it.
I was ready to head home and when I tried to return his fur coat he kept telling me to keep it, even mentioning that it was a gift from his mother.
That struck me as odd. Jai was sentimental about things like that, and I knew how much his mother meant to him.
‘No way,’ I said. ‘You’re drunk. I’ll leave it at reception.’ And I did.
Later that night, he messaged me, thanking me for dropping it off. It was such a simple interaction, but it stayed with me.
Jai insisted we take a group photo that night. We were joined by Alyssa Barmonde, Al Perkins, Layton Mills and Selina Chhaur, who all loved his company
Then came his last text. It was August 27th, just a week before he was found dead.
We were having a laugh about his phone not receiving texts. He was frustrated, saying, ‘I’m not getting my messages, and my clients must be going mad!’
I jokingly replied, ‘Stop gaslighting me, Jai!’
We both laughed, but then he opened up about his real concern: ‘I’m just stressed because my clients would be sending me messages and maybe I’m not getting them.’
I helped him sort it out, and at the time, I brushed it off as just another one of those little crises we all deal with. But now, knowing what came next, I can’t help but wonder if there was more going on beneath the surface.
In the weeks leading up to his passing, Jai opened up to me more than he ever had before.
He spoke about his struggles, his frustrations with the industry and the people who had done him wrong.
For someone who seemed to have everything, Jai carried the weight of a lot of pain.
He vented to me about his dating life and how hard it was to find people he could truly trust.
Evans had more than two decades of experience in the public relations industry. He founded his own business, Evans Media, in 2005, and worked with hundreds of media companies to help with their PR strategies. He is pictured with events manager Lucia Labbate in May 2008
Despite his many connections, he kept a small circle of close friends, and I was lucky enough to be one of them.
Jai’s final weeks were a mix of laughter, vulnerability and deep conversation.
We spoke about the future, the challenges he faced and the dreams he still wanted to pursue.
It’s hard to believe that someone who brought so much light and energy to those around him could be gone so suddenly.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing mental health issues contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
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