SYDNEY sport and media circles are mourning journalist-turned-PR consultant Rod "Rocket" Allen, whose body was discovered on Cockatoo Island.
It is understood Mr Allen had been camping with his wife Laila on the Sydney Harbour island on Saturday night to celebrate a former colleague's 50th birthday.
Police believe Mr Allen fell from a cliff overnight, but investigations into his death continue.
A spokeswoman could not confirm a News Ltd report he became disoriented when he was returning to his tent on the northern side of the island in the early hours of Sunday morning and fell from a viewing platform overhanging a sandstone cliff.
News Ltd reported investigations by water police would focus on whether there was adequate fencing, lighting and signage around the 20-metre drop and the pathways leading to the platform.
The man nicknamed Rocket joined the media industry more than 20 years ago, as a cadet with News Ltd, and eventually became a sports managing editor for Fairfax before going on to found the public relations firm Rocket Group in 2009.
As media manager for the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club, he watched the Wanderers win the Premiers Plate on Friday in the team's inaugural season.
Club executive chairman Lyall Gorman said football had lost a great friend.
"On this day of immense shock and sadness, we remember Rod's wonderful warm nature," Mr Gorman said.
"I am not sure that in the nine years I have known Rod that I have ever seen him happier or prouder when it came to football (than on Friday)."
As news of his death spread on Sunday evening, friends and colleagues took to Twitter to express their grief.
"Wow.. Can't believe it, Rod Allen, amazing guy, love to his family and friends. Shocked," said Socceroos captain Lucas Neill.
One colleague wrote: "Rod Allen was an inspirational sports editor and a wonderful mentor for all who worked with him,"
Another described the media man as a "master of his craft and an even better bloke", while a third remembered him as a "good guy with a ready smile".
Mr Allen had worked as head of media relations for Football Federation Australia, supporting Australia's bids for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, the Socceroos' campaigns for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.
FFA CEO David Gallop paid tribute to Mr Allen's professionalism.
"His no-nonsense approach to the task at hand was his trademark and many who dealt with him appreciated this dedication to getting the story, hitting deadline or managing an issue," Mr Gallop said.
"On behalf of the Australian Football Community, we offer our deepest condolences to his family during this extremely sad time."
Fairfax reported friends and family left the island about 2pm (AEDT) on Sunday before gathering in Balmain to mourn.
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