Model Ellidy Pullin shares her grief two years after the sudden shock death of her snowboarder partner Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin and reveals how she’s coping with being a single mother
Australian model Ellidy Pullin has spoken out about her heartbreak two years after the sudden death of her partner, Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin.
The Olympic snowboarder was 32 when he drowned while spearfishing on the Gold Coast in July 2020 but through an incredible IVF and sperm retrieval process, Ellidy was was able to have his baby, Minnie.
Now the Bonds ambassador, 29, has revealed how she’s coping being a single mother.
Australian model Ellidy Pullin (left) has spoken out about her heartbreak two years after the sudden shock death of her partner, Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin (pictured, right)
‘I’m still finding it quite surreal that Chump has been gone now for two years,’ she told The Daily Telegraph.
‘I truly don’t know if I’ll ever quite comprehend how he was here one minute and gone the next.’
A two-time snowboard cross world champion, Chumpy was Australia’s flag-bearer in Sochi in 2014 and a mentor for many up-and-coming snowboarders.
Chumpy drowned at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast on July 8, 2020. Later, Ellidy revealed that the couple had been trying for a baby.
Through an incredible IVF and sperm retrieval process Ellidy was was able to have Chumpy’s baby, Minnie, after the Olympic snowbaorder drowned while spearfishing in Queensland Picture: Minnie and Ellidy
Minnie was born in October, 2021.
‘Having Minnie is a constant reminder of her beautiful dad in the best and most bittersweet way,’ Ellidy said.
‘Life is so fragile, I do have my days but mostly I’m so motivated to live a full life and be the best parent I can be… if not with Chump, then for him.’
Ellidy said she finds it surreal that Chumpy has been gone now for two years
Just hours after Pullin’s death, Ellidy’s quick-thinking brother and friends mentioned the process of sperm retrieval. Sperm retrieval from a body can take place up to 36 hours after death.
Under Queensland legislation, sperm can be removed posthumously when a designated officer declares their belief the deceased wouldn’t object.
The consent of the immediate family is also required before any sperm can be retrieved.
‘Having Minnie is a constant reminder of her beautiful dad in the best and most bittersweet way,’ Ellidy told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday Picture: Minnie and Ellidy
An IVF specialist assists with the retrieval, with a recommended removal timeframe of between 24 and 36 hours after death.
Ellidy’s retrieval process took place through the use of ICSI IVF, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg for fertilisation.
She announced she was pregnant with Chumpy s baby in June last year.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk