Dead Celebrity Alert

Australian film director William Mather-Brown rescued 11-year-old Nicolas but could not save himself from the fast-flowing Var River, near Nice.

Sodden and distressed after his father pushed him onto the river bank, Nicolas took his sister Olivia, 7, and ran for help.

“I think my daddy has just drowned,” he told a couple who were strolling nearby.

Mr Mather-Brown’s body was pulled from the river, 200 metres downstream, three hours later. His ashes will be returned to Australia this week.

Family and friends paid tribute to the 41-year-old film director, who counted actors Ewan McGregor and David Wenham and superbike champion Troy Bayliss as close friends. … Read full obituary

Filed under Movies & Stage