Paul Miller and his son Aaron travelled to Papua New Guinea to hike the track with “a small group of veterans and first responders” to raise money for Operation K9.
His wife Amanda Kaplan said the “passionate advocate for veterans” is believed to have suffered a heart attack on Sunday, the second day of the 96-kilometre trek, after covering 18.5 km.
“Despite all efforts of assistance and of CPR, Paul was airlifted out and it has been confirmed that he had passed away on arrival at the hospital,” Kaplin said.
She thanked those who tried to revive the veteran and escorted their son back to Australia.
“In true Dusty style, he went out with a bang – doing something that he has always wanted to do… Kokoda,” she said.
“We would love this opportunity to spread the awareness and fundraising efforts that Paul was aspiring to achieve.
“Please remember our veterans during Anzac Day, Paul was a proud and extremely well-respected member of the veteran community.”
Miller was described as a “dearly loved” partner, father, uncle, son, brother, mate, veteran and sports fan.
He joined the Australian Defence Force as a 16-year-old vehicle mechanic apprentice in 1991 and was posted to Brisbane, Toowoomba, Townsville, Darwin and Adelaide before he was discharged in 2014.
During this time he was deployed to International Force East Timor, Iraq, Timor Leste and Afghanistan.
In total, he served for 24 years full-time and two years in the reserves.
After being medically discharged due to service-related mental health issues, he became an advocate for veterans.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family,” a spokesperson said yesterday.
The Kokoda Track Authority manages the trail where an estimated 625 Australians were killed fighting and more than 1600 were wounded in the bloody five-month campaign fought between Australian and Japanese soldiers in World War II.
It warns trekkers the trail is a “challenging experience both physically and emotionally”.
