Bubba Chump: How Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin became a father 15 months after his death

Olympian and world champion snowboarder Alex “Chumpy” Pullin tragically lost his life in 2020 while spearfishing in a free diving accident near the Gold Coast.

As the snowboarding community grieved the loss of the popular 32-year-old, Chumpy’s long-term partner, Ellidy Vlug, was left devastated. The couple had just bought their dream home on the Gold Coast and were trying for a baby.

After Chumpy’s death, Laura and Ellidy’s brother Dave came to Ellidy in her darkest moment to suggest posthumous sperm retrieval from Chumpy. 37 hours after Chumpy died, and with the consent of his family, a doctor successfully removed viable sperm.

7NEWS Spotlight reporter Denham Hitchcock spoke with Ellidy, their family and the couple’s friends, including legendary surfer Mick Fanning, over several months, creating a documentary that delivers a heart-warming and fascinating look at love, loss and miracles.

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