Tessa "Tess" Bell, Melbourne, AU-Obituary-Death News-Tessa "Tess" Bell, Tragically Passed Away

The Pan After community and countless others are mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of  Tessa “Tess” Bell, a beloved staff member and friend who tragically passed away following a fatal accident earlier this week. 

Tess was more than a familiar face at the Melbourne-based venue she was its soul, its energy, and its beating heart. 

Her passing has sent ripples of grief through everyone who knew her, from coworkers to customers, from friends to family.

Known for her warmth, quick wit, and unwavering dedication, Tess left a mark that will never fade.

Whether she was behind the bar, organizing an event, welcoming guests with her infectious smile, or simply checking in with a colleague, Tess brought a lightness and kindness that lifted everyone around her. Her presence wasn't just appreciated it was felt, deeply and genuinely.

Tess wasn’t just a member of the Pan After team; she was family. Her coworkers describe her as the person who could make even the busiest, most stressful nights feel like a celebration. 

She embodied hospitality not as a job but as a philosophy: every person mattered, every moment counted. Her ability to connect made strangers feel like regulars and made regulars feel like old friends.

Outside of work, Tess was equally cherished. Friends speak of her creative soul, love of music and art, and her ability to truly listen. 

She had a gift for lifting others up when they needed it most, and her generous nature was a steady force in so many lives. 

The shock of her loss has left many speechless, struggling to grasp the absence of someone so full of life and laughter.

In the wake of her passing, the Pan After community has come together in solidarity and sorrow, remembering Tess for all the light she brought into their world. 

A memorial gathering is expected to be announced in the coming days, providing an opportunity for all those touched by her life to share memories, offer comfort, and celebrate the beautiful soul she was.

Tributes have already begun to pour in online and at the venue, from heartfelt messages to flowers and candles placed in her memory. 

The community is encouraged to share stories and moments that capture Tess’s spirit to keep her memory alive not just through mourning, but through the joy and connection she so naturally inspired.

Though her time was far too short, Tess Bell’s legacy lives on. It lives in the warmth of the community she helped build, in the laughter she sparked, and in the kindness she embodied. 

She will never be forgotten, and her absence will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Rest in peace, Tess. You were truly one of a kind.