Young Australian of the Year and tireless health and disability advocate dies aged just 32

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 15:42, 20 May 2026 | Updated: 15:59, 20 May 2026 Nikhil Autar, a prominent doctor and 2024 NSW Young Australian of the Year, has died at the age of 32. Dr Autar was diagnosed with leukaemia at just 17 years old and underwent chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants and open heart surgery. He dedicated his life to helping those struggling with long-term illnesses and disabilities including through his Bheem Health, which helps provide medical devices to those in need. A heartbreaking post from Doctors Against Violence Towards Women, which Dr Autar helped found, confirmed his death on Wednesday. 'It is with profound grief that we share the news of the passing of our beloved co-founder, Dr Nikhil Autar,' the organisation wrote. 'There are people who move through the world quietly making it better. Dr Nikhil Autar was one of them and DAVTW would not exist without him.' Co-founder Dr Anita Hutchison shared a separate tribute, writing: 'There was something about his approach, the selflessness, that made me trust him. 'He did not want anything from us. He just wanted to help.' Nikhil Autar (above) was a prominent doctor and NSW Young Australian of the Year in 2024 Another prominent fellow award winner also paid tribute to the young doctor. Australian of the Year for 2024 Richard Scoyler and his wife, Dr Katie Nicoll, had glowing praise. 'We are deeply saddened following the passing of Nikhil Autar, a remarkable Australian who showed us all the importance of living with compassion, kindness and a never-ending commitment to helping others,' they said. 'Nikhil's determination and courage, coupled with his humility and wonderful sense of humour shone brightly.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.