AN abseiler who fell to his death from a Blue Mountains cliff has been fondly remembered by friends as an enthusiastic sportsman who died doing something he loved.
Darren Bull, 34, died on Saturday morning, reportedly trying to reach his girlfriend, Katherine Donahue, who had become tangled in ropes on a descent at Malaita Point, a popular abseiling spot on the edge of the Jamison Valley near Katoomba.
An operation to retrieve Mr Bull's body was completed on Saturday evening.
Ms Donahue was winched to safety at about 1.30pm (AEDT) that day and wasn't injured.
Friends of Mr Bull on Sunday fondly remembered him in posted messages on social media sites.
On Facebook, Sisha Reynolds wrote: "So sad to hear the sad news of Darren Bull a beautiful man. RIP.... Not a surprise you passing away being a hero and nice that it was while you were doing something you love but still so very sad."
Mr Bull was a former player with the Macquarie University Australian Football Club and one message from a member read: "Some very sad news this morning. It appears former player Darren Bull ... "Big Daz" ... died".
The club will observe a minute's silence before the opening match of the 2014 season in Mr Bull's honour.
Another social media post read: "when you mess with the bull, you get the horns!" Rest in peace Darren, you will be missed".
Mr Bull for some years worked as a counsellor at the Southwoods summer camp in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York.
On former colleague from the camp posted: "Difficult to even imagine but what a man! Glad I briefly got to know you mate, thoughts go out to the family."
Police are investigating how Mr Bull died and will prepare a report for the coroner.
