A large crowd has gathered on the Gold Coast for the public funeral for former national Ironman champion Dean Mercer.
Mercer, 47, died last week after suffering a heart attack while driving his car.
Approximately 2000 people are anticipated to attend the service for the father-of-four, which is being held at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre on Friday.
Dean Mercer’s widow Reen Mercer and their son Brayden read a tribute during a memorial service for him on Friday
Reen Mercer embraces her son after reading a tribute to her late husband at his public funeral on the Gold Coast on Friday
Mercer, a former Ironman national champion, has died aged 47 after suffering a cardiac arrest and crashing his car last week
Among the assembled crowd are dozens of people from Mercer’s Kurrawa Surf Lifesaving Club in club colours, as well as Olympians Brooke Hanson and Ky Hurst.
Dozens of surf-skis, surfboards and a surf lifesaving boat have been positioned on display outside the centre.
Flags from several local surf lifesaving clubs have also been put on display on the steps leading into the centre.
A large crowd has gathered on the Gold Coast ahead of the public funeral for former national Ironman champion Dean Mercer
Among the assembled crowd are dozens of people from Mercer’s Kurrawa Surf Lifesaving Club in club colours
Mercer, 47, is being farewelled at a public funeral on Friday. He died last week after suffering a heart attack while driving
Friday’s service will include tributes from Mercer’s widow Reen and their eldest son Brayden and a speech from Mercer’s Ironman champion brother Darren
A wooden oar given to Mercer when he was inducted into the Ironman hall of fame lies in front of his coffin
A wreath of flowers is pictured from Friday’s public funeral service for the 47-year-old
Pictures from the 47-year-old’s life are seen on display at the front of the funeral at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
A wooden oar given to Mercer when he was inducted into the Ironman hall of fame lies in front of his coffin, which is topped by flowers.
Friday’s service will include tributes from Mercer’s widow Reen and their eldest son Brayden and a speech from Mercer’s ironman champion brother Darren.
Family spokesman Ian Hanson will also read a tribute to Mercer written by his father John, mother Maureen and sister Kylie.
Flags from several local surf lifesaving clubs have also been put on display on the steps leading into the centre
Dozens of surf-skis, surfboards and a surf lifesaving boat have also been positioned on display outside the centre