Davide Vulpis, a Sydney-based chef originally from Italy, tragically lost his life in a motorcycle crash in Bali. Sky News Australia reported that Vulpis was traveling with friends when the accident happened earlier this week.
According to the report, Vulpis worked at the Cibaria Italian restaurant in Manly on Sydney’s northern beaches and had been living in Australia for just over a year. He was just building a new chapter far from home when this crash cut short his life.
Friends and colleagues are now remembering him as a passionate young chef who embraced food, travel, and the adventure of starting fresh abroad.
Brother Launches GoFundMe to Bring Him Home to Italy: How to Help
Vulpis’ brother, Christian, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of cremating him in Bali and bringing his ashes home to Italy.
“He was travelling with a group of friends, enjoying life and making memories, when a sudden and devastating crash took his life,” Christian wrote on the fundraising page.
“Our family is heartbroken and still trying to process this unimaginable loss.”
For Christian and his loved ones, returning Davide home is about more than logistics. It is about dignity and farewell.
“We want to give him the dignity, love, and farewell he deserves, surrounded by the people who love him most,” he said. “Thank you for your kindness, support, and prayers during this difficult moment.”
While writing this story, the fundraiser has reached 93% of its goal, with $11,067 raised toward the $12,000 target from 100 donations: a sign of how deeply Davide touched those around him.
“I honestly don’t have the words to thank every single one of you for the love, support, and generosity you’ve shown me and my family,” Christian wrote.
“What you’ve done means more than you can imagine, and we will be forever grateful.”
A Passionate Career From Ibiza to Manly
Before moving to Sydney, Vulpis built his career in Ibiza, where he worked as a head chef at Aparthotel Playasol Mogambo. Friends say he carried that same passion and inventiveness into every kitchen he entered, leaving a mark wherever he cooked.
His final Instagram post captured him doing what he loved most, preparing food at the Manly restaurant. The caption was simple: “Chef life.”
For many, those two words now feel deeply poignant. They reflect a young chef fully immersed in his craft, proud of the path he was carving abroad.
Officials Confirm No Consular Role
In a statement to news.com.au, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is not providing consular assistance, as Vulpis was not an Australian citizen.
“We do not have a consular role in this matter,” a spokesperson said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”
Meanwhile, his family is focused on bringing his ashes back to Italy, where they hope to say a proper goodbye.
Across Australia and Europe, friends and colleagues continue to share tributes. To those who loved him, Vulpis was never just a chef. He was a devoted son, a caring brother, and a loyal friend whose life was cut heartbreakingly short.
