I worked with him for 6 months in my first job when after I finished school, in 2000. We'd have beers every friday afternoon and he was quite a character. One of the funniest people I've ever met. He moved to Melbourne (I was still living in Tassie at the time) but I'd catch up with him when he came back.
The really weird thing was the last time I saw him (around Xmas 4 years ago, a bit before I moved to Brisbane) we met at the pub and then we were walking to another pub and he decided to go to one of his mate's place instead. I was already set on going to this pub and he being the joker said "But Jake, this could be the last time you see me. What if one of us dies? Come on man, it'll be fun". Turns out that was the last time I saw him.
Not sure on details but I sent his girlfriend a message on facebook (where I found out) and she said he was on holiday in Thailand and had an accident of some sort, but she herself isn't 100% on details either.