Police released a statement following the man’s death, saying the loss had saddened the Lake Illawarra community.

‘‘While he received immediate assistance from an off-duty Ambulance Paramedic, he was unable to be revived,’’ the statement read.

The incident happened around 10am yesterday.

The Chief Inspector had served within Illawarra for many years, and was currently attached to a specialist unit within the Police Force.

His wife and children asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.