Nearly six years after the death of Olympic snowboarder Alex “Chumpy” Pullin, differing views have emerged between members of his family and his partner regarding the charity established in his name.
Pullin died in July 2020 after a spearfishing accident on Queensland’s Gold Coast. In 2022, his partner Ellidy Pullin launched the Chumpy Pullin Foundation, initially focused on supporting youth sport.
His father Chris Pullin spoke out on January 7 about a bitter family rift that has left him estranged from his granddaughter.
What Concerns Did Chumpy Pullin’s Parents Raise?
In May 2024, Pullin’s parents, Chris and Sally Pullin, wrote to the foundation’s board expressing concern about what they described as a change in the organisation’s direction. In the email, they questioned a shift away from youth sport and towards mental health initiatives.
“Of course heading down the mental health path would not be upholding Chumpy’s ideals,” the email stated. “You cannot use his name to make the foundation popular and then manipulate that momentum to your own ends. If that happens, we would not allow you to use his name, or his image.
“I hope you can understand that Chumpy was a wonderful mentor and inspiration for people around him; it wasn’t mental health. I hope you can fulfil the original promise made to us at the inception of the foundation, a legacy in Chumpy’s name to live by his example.”
Chris Pullin has said the email did not receive a response. He has also stated that following the correspondence, communication between himself, his wife and Ellidy ceased. Ellidy has not publicly commented on those claims.
The circumstances are closely linked to the family’s ongoing connection through Minnie Alex Pullin, who was born in October 2021 after Ellidy conceived their daughter via posthumous IVF. Because the couple were not married at the time of his death, Pullin’s parents were required to give consent for the procedure, which they did.
What Happened After Sally Pullin’s Death?
Sally Pullin died in April 2025 after being diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma. Following her death, Ellidy shared a tribute on Instagram reflecting on their relationship.
“To remember this beautiful woman is to picture that warm, beaming smile and hear her cheeky giggle,” Ellidy wrote.
“I’ll forever cherish her special family lasagne recipe, and when she’d grab her ukulele of an afternoon and sing Chumpy’s song Four Babies over and over. We’d never get tired of that joyful voice. I love you, Sal…I know he’s holding you forever tight.”
Chris Pullin later told the Daily Mail he was upset by the post, saying: “Half of those photos weren’t even hers to post. She was acting like Sal’s daughter-in-law, but they weren’t married.”
Why Did The Chumpy Pullin Foundation Close?
The Chumpy Pullin Foundation ceased operations in December 2024. In its closing statement, the organisation said remaining funds would be directed towards youth mental health initiatives and outlined a range of programs it had supported, including scholarships, camps, workshops and junior sporting events.
Chris Pullin has said he was concerned the foundation’s focus on mental health could lead to confusion about the circumstances of his son’s death. Pullin drowned after suffering a shallow water blackout while spearfishing.
The Pullins were involved in early fundraising efforts for the foundation, contributing family photographs and personal items for auction. Chris has said he and Sally supported initial plans to create accommodation near Jindabyne to assist young athletes training in the Snowy Mountains, but that those plans did not proceed.
He has also said he is uncertain about the whereabouts of some of his son’s personal belongings following the sale of the Gold Coast home Ellidy shared with Pullin.
“Where all his stuff went I have no idea,” he said. “I’m quite sad about that.”
What Has Ellidy Said About The Rift?
Since Chris spoke out, Ellidy has turned her focus firmly to her daughter, Minnie, sharing a series of gushing posts that highlight their close bond. One especially touching clip shows Minnie telling her mum she is her hero before pulling her in for a hug.
In another Instagram Story, Ellidy wrote over a video of the pair, “You, my little girl, are the greatest gift in the world and I will protect you at all costs.”
Ellidy has recently spoken publicly about entering a new relationship and about moving forward after loss. She has previously stated that she was not closely involved in the foundation’s day-to-day operations.
