Bali bomb survivor Jake Ryan struck and killed by train in Italy

Jake Ryan survived the Bali bombings in 2002. He was on holiday in Sicily when he died. Photo / Instagram

The mother of Australian Jake Ryan, who survived the 2002 Bali bombings but was killed while on holiday in Italy last week, has revealed the tragic circumstances of her son's death.

The well-known AFL football player from the Gold Coast was struck by a train and killed while jogging in Noto, on the island of Sicily.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media for the AFL footballer, who played in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, and worked as a coach at the Gold Coast Suns Academy.

The driver of the train stopped and tried to revive the 39-year-old, who was wearing headphones on his run, but he died from his injuries.

Jake Ryan was hit and killed by a train at Avola in Noto, Italy. Photo / Supplied

Ryan survived but lost half a foot in the October 2002 bomb blasts in Bali which claimed the lives of 202 people, including 88 Australians and three New Zealanders.

His mother, Leanne Ryan, has revealed more details of the tragic accident that claimed her son's life.

Ryan posted a poignant tribute in memory of those killed in the Bali bombings just days before he died. Source / Instagram

"From what we understand, he was off the road and it wasn't a tunnel or anything, it was under a road and it was quite normal to duck through there," Ryan told Gold Coast radio station Hot Tomato.

"He was actually aware of the train and according to the train driver he was clear of the train except it had steps on the side and it was the steps that clipped him and threw him.

"He died, we believe almost instantaneously. The driver of the train stopped and the driver tried to render assistance but it was too late and we're told he died of massive internal injuries."

Jake Ryan and Kimberly Driedger. Photo / kimberlydrieger, Instagram

Ryan had been on a dream trip through North America and Europe when he died.

His death came just days after he posted a Facebook tribute in memory of the 2002 Bali bombing.

"Eighteen years ... a lifetime ago ... yet seems like yesterday," he posted.

"You reflect back and I just think how lucky we were to get home. Some weren't.

"Our love, prayers, thoughts and support with you and your families today.

"For us lucky ones that got home ... forever thankful.

"Being on the trip I'm on at the moment is a perfect reminder of how lucky I am.

"Why you have to have a crack every day, do as much as you can, and live as much of a life as you can."

Leanne Ryan said her son's death was a "tragic, tragic accident", ruling out speculation mental health may have been a factor.

She said the family would hold a memorial service but the repatriation of Ryan's body had been delayed due to limited flights between Europe and Australia.

Jake was on holiday in Europe when he died. Source / Instagram

Ryan's brother Mitch said he had been working remotely due to Covid-19 after starting a job with a New York-based digital mortgage broker lender company.

"He was living the dream – the whole world had come to a stop, and Jake said: "F*** that I'm going," no one can ever tell him what to do," Mitch said, the Courier Mail reported.

Mitch said his brother had been on a trip to Italy with family friends from London.

"It's just so strange, I've never had this feeling before, I can't really explain it," he said about his brother's death.

"I feel empty, lost, angry and sad. We've been bawling our eyes out but with smiles on our faces while telling stories about him.

"We'll forever miss him and the world's a sh**tier place without him. If I could, I'd paint the sky for him."

His partner Kimberly Driedger, who spent two months with Ryan during his travels, called him her "double rainbow" in an emotional post.

View this post on Instagram

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” You managed to master all three in the best possible way. You instantly grabbed my attention and captivated me with your positivity. You were passionate about anything you did and always had such a handsome smile on your face. I loved your sense of competition, how much you loved footy, how excited you were to share the game with me. As competitive as you were, you accepted defeat like a true gent even after losing a million rounds of Go Fish. You shared the same awe and fascination when the universe blessed us with the most insane and complete double rainbow we had each ever seen. You brought joy and laughter to the group after sharing a 3hr temezcal ceremony together, when the rest of us were hungry and tired. You were always so chilled and easy going, trying 4 different places to find vegan ice cream for me. You did anything to bring happiness to those around you and you brought so much to me. Your love of your family and friends was beyond words. You loved them so much and i loved that. I miss seeing your face and hearing your voice, the last two months were beautiful and I cherish every moment. Although we were meant to have so much more time together, to laugh with (and at) each other, watch footy, have you teach me more Aussie sayings (cat amongst the pigeons will always be my favorite), explore and eat our way through new cities, and eventually spend Christmas in Portugal... I know you’re still here and inspiring me. You’re with everyone now and we are so lucky. Mi Amor, you were the sweetest, most considerate, truest gentleman of anyone I’ve ever known. You were so special. You let me be vulnerable, love and let myself be open to love. You had a zest for life I hadn’t seen in a very long time from others. You’ve set the highest bar possible for who I allow into my life now. I’m going to remember you always. They don’t make many like you. You weren’t next door to perfect, you were perfect... cherry ripe.💔 #JakeRyan #coolyourjets

A post shared by KIMBERLY (@kimberlydriedger) on Oct 14, 2020 at 6:17am PDT

"How do I say goodbye … Seeing your face and hearing your voice every day for the past 2 months … how do we get back to that?" she wrote.

"We were meant to have so much more time together … to play one more game of Go Fish. To spend Christmas in Portugal together. To laugh with each other and smile just once more.

"Mi Amor, please come back. I need you, so I can smile again. So that we can fulfil all the beautiful things we talked about together.

"You were the sweetest, most considerate, the truest gentleman of all. You were so special. You showed me how to love again. I miss you. My double rainbow. Thank you for blessing my soul with your love. They don't make many of you."