I was with PR icon Jai Evans days before his tragic death. Here’s what I remember about the flamboyant entertainment personality who gave me an $18k fur coat during a drunken night out… and the final chilling text he sent me
As I reflect upon my relationship with Jai, a man of immense charisma and vibrant energy, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss. Our friendship was a tapestry woven from laughter, shared dreams, and moments of profound vulnerability – the kind that only true friends can share.
It still feels surreal that Jai is gone.
He was the type of person you assumed would always be around, larger than life, always putting on a show and forever making everyone around him feel like the most important person in the room.
However, that’s the type of person he was – meticulous in all aspects, particularly regarding his own appearance and the well-being of those he valued deeply.
Jai Evans first reached out to me in 2015 when I was running my blog, Hollywood Treatment.
He invited me to the re-launch of Cruise Bar and from that moment we clicked.
At first, it was just a professional bond, but over time it transformed into something deeper – evenings filled with shared humor, sips of good quality wine, and lengthy conversations that often stretched past midnight.
He frequently extended invitations for me to spend the night at his place, as it consistently had an unused guest room with a spectacular view.
Jai possessed a unique ability to make someone feel like a trusted advisor, yet he was strongly protective of his intimate group of friends, maintaining a high level of privacy within that circle.
Over time, Jai established himself as a consistent presence in my life, regularly extending invitations to high-profile red carpet events, parties, and launches.
He was well-known in his field for skillfully addressing the needs of both talent and media, handling any issues they encountered effectively.
He was the ‘fixer’ and had answers for everything.
Every gathering he hosted left a lasting impression – they were extravagant, grand, yet always managed to create an intimate atmosphere that made you feel uniquely valued.
2019 saw him extending an invitation for us to attend the launch of Runaway The Label’s sizzling Hot Summer Collection, held at Cruise Bar. Once more, our conversation resumed from where it had been left.
But it was in 2022 when we really reconnected.
He invited me to his MAXIM party and encouraged me to bring a few of my reality star friends along.
True to form, Jai had reserved a booth for us—a gesture that perfectly encapsulated his character.
He consistently prioritized the well-being of his friends, neither demanding reciprocation nor seeking attention from the media. His sole aim was to ensure everyone enjoyed themselves.
Among the many admirable traits Jai possessed, what stood out most was his traditional charm. Unlike others, he didn’t crave popularity or seek limelight.
He just loved creating experiences and those who knew him well respected that.
I’ll always remember that elegant evening we had at Franca, a high-class French eatery tucked away in Sydney’s Potts Point district.
The original plan was to celebrate my late birthday, but as usual, Jai insisted we meet at his place prior to the event.
Jai possessed a pristine apartment boasting breathtaking vistas of Sydney Harbour and the nearby eastern suburbs; he took great pride in it, often displaying those captivating sights to others.
But that night he was more concerned with my outfit than the view.
‘You can’t wear that cheap ripped jumper,’ he said, dragging me over to his wardrobe.
As a devoted admirer, I posed the question about his feelings regarding our public appearances, given my modest attire, and he assured me there was no need for embarrassment on his part.
As a die-hard admirer, I found myself persuaded by his ardent pleas to drape one of his cherished $18,000 black mink coats. While I harbored doubts about its fit, the desire to bring a smile to his face compelled me to don it.
At dinner, he kept reminding me to take care of the coat, checking in as if it were a newborn baby.
Jai was all smiles, laughing and chatting with everyone, but I noticed something was off.
He ordered a drink, despite having told me not long ago that he was trying to stay sober.
As the night unfolded, it brimmed with hearty chuckles, yet beneath the joviality, a subtle and eerie stillness lingered.
By the end of the enchanting evening, the check had made its way to our table—an eye-popping sum of close to two grand. Naturally, my heart swelled as I volunteered to cover it all, Jai’s beloved idol after all.
Initially, I had planned to depart, but upon trying to give back his luxurious fur coat, he persisted in asking me not to, casually mentioning that it was a present from his mother.
It seemed unusual to me, given that Jai had a sentimental nature about such things, and I understood the deep affection he held for his mother.
‘No way,’ I said. ‘You’re drunk. I’ll leave it at reception.’ And I did.
That evening, he sent me a message expressing gratitude for delivering it. Despite its simplicity, the encounter left an impression on me.
Then came his last text. It was August 27th, just a week before he was found dead.
We were having a laugh about his phone not receiving texts. He was frustrated, saying, ‘I’m not getting my messages, and my clients must be going mad!’
I jokingly replied, ‘Stop gaslighting me, Jai!’
We both laughed, but then he opened up about his real concern: ‘I’m just stressed because my clients would be sending me messages and maybe I’m not getting them.’
I assisted him in resolving the issue, and back then, I dismissed it as a typical minor predicament that everyone encounters. However, given what transpired later, I can’t help but ponder if there were deeper issues lurking unseen.
In the weeks leading up to his passing, Jai opened up to me more than he ever had before.
In my personal journey, I’ve candidly discussed the obstacles I’ve faced, the disappointments I’ve endured within this field, and those individuals who have crossed me unfairly.
For someone who seemed to have everything, Jai carried the weight of a lot of pain.
He vented to me about his dating life and how hard it was to find people he could truly trust.
Regardless of his extensive network, he maintained a tight-knit group of intimate friends, and I count myself fortunate to have been among those few.
Jai’s final weeks were a mix of laughter, vulnerability and deep conversation.
We spoke about the future, the challenges he faced and the dreams he still wanted to pursue.
It’s astonishing how swiftly the vibrant, radiant individual who filled others with life and spirit seems to have disappeared from our midst.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing mental health issues contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
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2024-09-10 08:49