Beaconsfield mine collapse survivor Todd Russell has been remembered as a dedicated friend, volunteer firefighter and cultural figure.
News of Russell's death, aged 54, broke on Tuesday, one week after he announced a move home to "see out his days" following an illness.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff led the tributes, saying his thoughts were with Russell's loved ones.
"Vale Todd Russell," Rockliff wrote on social media.
"Thoughts this morning are with Todd's loved ones and everyone who had the absolute pleasure of knowing him."
Russell made global headlines in 2006 when he and co-worker Brant Webb were rescued after spending two weeks trapped below the surface at the mine in northern Tasmania.
The collapse killed fellow miner Larry Knight, while Russell and Webb returned to the surface after a daring rescue mission carried out almost one kilometre underground.
The pair were initially presumed dead after a rockfall before their faint cries from within a small steel cage were heard by searching workmates days later.
The disaster left a deep mark on Australia's cultural fabric, and it was the subject of the 2007 Foo Fighters song Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners.
Close friend and Tasmanian Liberal MP Michael Ferguson described getting to know Mr Russell as an honour.
"Todd has endured so much over these past few years," he wrote on Facebook.
"It all seems terribly unfair."
Ferguson recalled seeing his late mate in good spirits as recently as Friday, saying the former miner was thrilled to have returned home.
"My heart goes out to Todd and his family as they spend this precious time together," he said.
"I promised him I would keep praying for him."
Beaconsfield Fire Brigade, where Russell formerly worked as brigade chief, thanked him for his years of service.
"Todd dedicated his time and service to the brigade and the community, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by those who had the privilege of serving alongside him," the brigade wrote on social media.
"Thank you for your service and dedication. You will be sadly missed."
Last Tuesday, Russell told his followers he had run out of options after eight months at Launceston General Hospital.
"After years of pain, uncertainty, appointments, treatments, setbacks, and endless battles, plus the emotional exhaustion of having to pick myself up time and time again, have left me with nothing left to give," he posted on social media.
"The time has come medically and (physically) where there are no further options on either front for me and there is no more fight left in me."
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