Australian sailor Jessica Watson has shared the heartbreaking news that her long-time boyfriend Cam has died.
The 29-year-old passed on Monday after suffering a “catastrophic stroke” in July, with Jessica revealing the tragedy to the world on Wednesday evening.
Jess, 28, was awarded the Order of Australia Medal after sailing around the world solo when she was just 16 – the youngest person to ever do so.
In the years since, she and Cam have been “inseparable” and Jessica said they had already planned the rest of their lives together when he passed.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Jessica posted a series of photos of her and Cam sailing together with a caption detailing his loss.
“On Monday, 30 August 2021 we lost our Cam – my long-term partner in every aspect of life and planned future,” she wrote.
“Cam passed away peacefully nearly six weeks after a catastrophic stroke.
“We’ll be forever grateful for the dedicated care he received at the Gold Coast University Hospital.”
She went on to say that she and Cam had been by each other’s sides since 2011 and shared a love of boats and sailing that was at the centre of their world.
The heartbroken 28-year-old added: “Describing what Cam means to me is impossible – everyone who knows us understands how much we simply loved each other.
“Even while experiencing indescribable grief, I feel so grateful for the family, friends, and communities Cam has given me and the person I’ve become with him.
“I take enormous strength from having been so devotedly loved. The years of treasured memories offer enormous comfort.
“Being Cam’s ‘Jess’ is the role I’m most proud of.”
Messages of support flooded in as friends, family and fans shared their condolences for Jess’ painful loss.
Jessica rose to fame in 2010 when she successfully sailed around the world solo.
(Getty)“Jess, I’m so sorry for ur loss 😢❤️ ,” said Australian yachtsman Jimmy Spithill, while writer Carly Findlay commented: “So very sorry.”
Jessica rose to fame in 2010 when she successfully sailed around the world solo, departing from Sydney in October 2009 and returning in May 2010, just days before her 17th birthday.
Unfortunately, her trip fell just short of the 21,600 nautical miles required to be considered a global circumnavigation.
The following year she was named Young Australian of the Year and in 2012 she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.
