FORMER Ulladulla High School student Chad Sloman is being remembered as a funny, caring and intelligent young man following his death in the Illawarra on the weekend.
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News of the 20-year-old’s death has sent shockwaves through the local community, and on Sunday resulted in some of his former teammates at the Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs being too grief stricken to take the field for the game against Shellharbour.
The youngest of four children in a strong and supportive Mollymook family, Chad was a leading player with the Bulldogs under 18s in 2102 – the last of 10 years playing with junior Bulldogs teams.
It was the same year he also finished his secondary schooling at Ulladulla High, completing six years of school leadership through his involvement in the student representative council.
After Ulladulla High School he went on to study a Bachelor of Conservation Biology at the University of Wollongong, and was in his second year.
He had recently joined the university’s basketball team, continuing to show the sporting talent and musical ability that had marked much of his life.
A university spokesperson said the organisation was "greatly saddened to learn of the death of UOW student Chad Sloman”.
“We have put in place our critical incident procedures, which includes arranging counselling for students and staff who may be affected by this tragic incident and we will ensure we provide support to all those affected."
The friendships he forged at high school continued, and he lived with other former Ulladulla students while attending university.
Among those was Georgina Healey who said Chad “brought love and happiness to so many people’s lives”.
Amid the shock of his sudden death, other friends were quick to describe Chad as a funny and respectful young man who was always quick with a witty reply, and was known for his broad smile and ready laughter.
Unfortunately, his young life that promised so much was cut short when he was hit by a train travelling between Thirroul and Bulli early on Saturday morning.
Police said they were still investigating the accident that occurred about 3.45am, and anyone with information that might help police was asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
