Simon Crean's Cause of Death: What Happened to Simon Crean? How Did Simon Crean Die?
by Janani | Updated Jun 26, 2023
Who was Simon Crean?
Simon Findlay Crean was a popular Australian politician and trade unionist. He served as the leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and held the position of opposition leader from 2001 to 2003. Simon Crean represented the constituency of Hotham in the House of Representatives from 1990 to 2013. Then he served as a cabinet minister in the governments of Hawke, Keating, Rudd, and Gillard.
Born in Melbourne, Simon Crean was the son of Frank Crean. His father Frank held the position of deputy prime minister under Gough Whitlam. He pursued his education in law and economics at Monash University and actively engaged in the trade union movement from a young age. In 1979, Simon Crean became the general secretary of the Storemen and Packers' Union. His involvement in trade unions continued to grow, and he was elected as the vice president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) in 1981, later assuming the role of president in 1985.
Upon his election to parliament in the 1990 federal election, Crean stepped down from his union responsibilities and took up the position of Minister for Science and Technology in the Hawke government. Throughout his career, he held various ministerial roles until the Labor Party's defeat in the 1996 election.
Following Labor's loss in the 1998 election, Simon was elected and chosen as the deputy leader of the ALP, replacing Gareth Evans. After another defeat in the 2001 election, he succeeded Kim Beazley as the party leader and became the leader of the opposition. However, despite initial optimism surrounding his leadership, Crean faced challenges in public opinion polls. In June 2003, Beazley challenged him for leadership, but Crean managed to secure a comfortable victory.
Nevertheless, speculation about his leadership persisted, and in November 2003, he announced his resignation, making him the first Labor Party leader not to contest a federal election. He was subsequently replaced by Mark Latham, who was serving as his shadow treasurer.
Simon Crean's Cause of Death
Simon Crean passed away from a suspected heart attack while tramping in Germany. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his deep sadness and shock upon learning of Simon Crean's sudden demise during his work visit to Europe. Albanese praised Crean's courage and principled actions, particularly his opposition to the Iraq War, which history has proven to be justified. He commended Crean's unwavering sense of humanity and acknowledged the respect he commanded from those who had the privilege of working or interacting with him.
Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard remembered Simon Crean as someone who detested injustice and fought tirelessly to create opportunities for all. She described him as someone who took his work seriously but was also caring, sociable, and fun.
The news of Crean's passing saddened Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who recognized his sudden departure as a loss for all who loved, respected, and admired him. Chalmers described Crean as a good man, known for his decency, generosity, and pleasant company. He acknowledged Crean's lifelong dedication to the country and its working people, emphasizing that his contributions will be remembered.
What Happened to Simon Crean?
Simon Crean, once a former leader of the Australian Labor Party and a significant figure in the union movement, has passed away at the age of 74. His sudden death occurred while he was on a trip to Europe for trade and business discussions, specifically while hiking in Germany, where he is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
The news of his passing came as a shock to his family, friends, and colleagues within the union movement. In a statement, his family expressed their devastation and announced his untimely death.
They highlighted Simon Crean's dedication to improving the lives of working Australians and his extensive contributions as a former President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), as well as his ministerial roles in the governments of Hawke, Keating, Rudd, and Gillard. Moreover, they emphasized his role as a loving husband to Carole, with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage, and a devoted father to Sarah and Emma.
Simon Crean was also remembered as the son of former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Crean, and the brother of the late Stephen Crean and Hon. Dr. David Crean.
How Did Simon Crean Die?
Simon Crean died of a heart attack. Even Liberal leader Peter Dutton paid tribute to Simon Crean, expressing shock and sadness at his passing. Dutton recalled Crean as a gentleman and a significant figure in the Labor movement, admiring his intellect and decency. Dutton extended his condolences and best wishes to Crean's wife Carole, his family, and his friends, acknowledging it as a deeply sorrowful day.
Former Treasurer Joe Hockey also conveyed his heartfelt condolences, describing Crean's death as shocking and expressing his sympathies to the family, friends, and community affected by the loss. Hockey remembered Crean as a remarkable person who deeply loved his nation enjoyed his company, and possessed strength, compassion, and principles. He concluded by expressing his profound sadness at the loss.
The passing of Simon Crean has left a significant void in Australian politics and the labor movement. His dedication, principles, and contributions will be remembered by many who were touched by his work and his character.
Simon Crean's Death
Simon Crean died because of a suspected heart attack. Despite stepping down as leader, Crean remained a prominent figure within the Labor Party. When the Labor Party won the 2007 election, he returned to the cabinet as Minister for Trade. Crean supported Julia Gillard in her leadership challenge against Kevin Rudd in June 2010 and retained his position in the Cabinet. Although he continued to back Gillard during the leadership spill in February 2012, he later switched his support to Rudd in March 2013, which triggered another leadership spill.
In response, Gillard removed him from the Cabinet. Eventually, Rudd reclaimed the position of Prime Minister during the leadership spill in June 2013, and Crean unsuccessfully ran for Deputy leadership. Subsequently, Simon Crean announced his retirement from entire politics and did not contest the 2013 election.
Simon Crean left a lasting impact on Australian politics and the labor movement through his extensive tenure as a representative, minister, and party leader.
Simon Crean's Cause of Death - FAQ
Simon Crean passed away from a suspected heart attack while tramping in Germany.
Simon Crean was a notable Australian politician who served as the leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and held the position of opposition leader from 2001 to 2003. He also represented the constituency of Hotham in the House of Representatives from 1990 to 2013 and served as a cabinet minister in the governments of Hawke, Keating, Rudd, and Gillard.
Simon Crean was born in Melbourne, Australia. He pursued his education in law and economics at Monash University.
Simon Crean actively engaged in the trade union movement from a young age. In 1979, he became the general secretary of the Storemen and Packers' Union. He later assumed the position of vice president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) in 1981 and eventually became its president in 1985.
Simon Crean entered politics in the 1990 federal election when he was elected to parliament. He then took up the position of Minister for Science and Technology in the Hawke government. Throughout his career, he held various ministerial roles in the governments of Hawke, Keating, Rudd, and Gillard.