Popular New Zealand mental health advocate Dr Tom Mulholland died suddenly over the weekend.
He was affectionately known as Dr Tom and helped thousands of people all over New Zealand and around the world over the past 30 years.
His death has been referred to the coroner.
Dr Mulholland's death was confirmed by his son, Tommy Mulholland, who took to Facebook on Monday evening to pay tribute to his father.
Tommy said arrangements for the funeral, which will be held in Wellington, will be confirmed shortly.
"I've always considered myself one of the luckiest people in the world and my dad was one of the biggest reasons why," Tommy wrote on Facebook.
"I have learnt so much from him in my 27 years and my heart is breaking that it ends here. He has lived a hundred lives in his time with us and he has helped countless people."
Tributes have been quick to pour in for Dr Mulholland who has been described as a "hero" and having a "huge heart".
"We've lost one of our best and brightest stars, a tower of purpose who had so many of the necessary tools at his fingertips. He literally wrote books about mental health and wellbeing. He saved lives for a job. People, men, we are still not talking enough. We are still imagining we are alone," broadcaster Brooke Howard-Smith said on Facebook.
"Dr Tom Mulholland will always be a hero of mine and I'm guessing for the thousands who he inspired and helped, thousands whose lives he changed forever... for now, buddy, just know we are so bloody proud of the amazing life you lived and of you. The world is going to miss the hell out of you."
Medical entrepreneur Sam Hazledine also took to Facebook to pay tribute to Dr Mulholland saying he was "loved by many" but he was a "bit angry".
"Tom was the definition of 'larger than life.' With a gregarious personality and a huge heart, Tom positively impacted the life of anyone he encountered...He was loved by many, including his fiancé and two children. He was always on a mission."
People on social media were also quick to pay tribute with one person saying, "He was very open about his own mental health lows and challenges, but very inspirational. He did a lot of great things and helped a lot of people over the years."
Another person said he will be "missed by many including peers, friends and whanau".
Dr Mulholland completed a first-class honours degree in molecular genetics at the University of Canterbury and then graduated with a medical degree from the University of Otago in 1989.
Mulholland's website said he had a love for surfing and the mountains, which was the reason for his move to Taranaki, where he was an orthopaedic and general surgical registrar.
Dr Mulholland had been an Emergency Department doctor and GP for over 25 years and practised at Auckland Hospital, rural New Zealand towns, the Chatham Islands and worked in the Antarctic.
He has hosted his own TV and radio shows, written two books and more recently has been on the road testing thousands of Kiwis in the "back of his old Chevy ambulance that his team have transformed into a pop-up medical clinic".
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
