A young family’s holiday at the beach turned to tragedy after their police officer dad suddenly died while enjoying a well deserved break from duty. 

Paul Leslie Matts, 37, from Orange in the NSW Central Tablelands region, died unexpectedly on July 8 after suffering a medical episode on the sand while playing with his children.

He leaves behind his wife Danni Matts, his daughter Harlow and son Xavier, and his step-children Archer and Jasmine. 

The NSW Police sergeant, formerly of Coffs Harbour, had been an officer for more than 16 years.

His widow’s close friends, Jenna McAtamney and Sarah Wilkinson, paid tribute to the fallen police officer.

They have established a GoFundMe page on behalf of his children and his heartbroken wife who are ‘facing life without their loving dad and step-dad’.

‘This loss has left the family devastated and in need of support as they begin to navigate this new reality,’ it read. 

The sergeant and his wife’s youngest child, Xavier, is just 8-months-old. 

The officer had previously been the local policeman in the small town of Burren Junction, where his MP, Roy Butler, thanked him in parliament for organising a community day in 2020. 

‘To repay Burren for being so welcoming, Paul organised a family fun day for the town. He moved heaven and earth to put on an afternoon and evening of entertainment from slip ‘n’ slides, a visit from Santa and a raffle for a family holiday.

‘The purpose of the event was twofold: to say thank you and to help people take their minds off the drought. On behalf on Burren Junction, thank you.’

His widow’s friends explained that she is trying to be strong for her children and is learning to financially support her family following the loss.

Mr Matts was a ‘great father’ and ‘will be very missed by his children’, Ms McAtamney and Ms Wilkinson said.

‘Danni is doing everything she can to stay strong for her kids, but she cannot do it alone.’

Friends and loved ones of the family shared their condolences on a Facebook post announcing his death.

‘A beautiful soul gone way too soon. RIP buddy,’ one wrote.

‘So sorry for your loss David and Julie, thinking of you both,’ another shared.

‘Thinking of you Julie, David and family, sending my deepest condolences,’ a third commented.

‘So very sad to see someone so young pass away. RIP,’ another said. 

The officer also leaves behind his parents David and Julie, and his sisters Catherine and Rebecca.

His funeral will be held on Thursday in Coffs Harbour.