Young Australian man tragically dies just four days into his 'dream' holiday to the United States

• Pierre Mantz, 31, died in the United States
• His family are working to bring his body back home 
• A GoFundMe has been set up to help with costs 

An Australian sniffer dog trainer has tragically died during a 'dream' holiday with his partner in the United States.

Pierre Mantz, 31, from Melbourne, died suddenly on October 15 while visiting Washington, D.C., with his partner of two years, Elcee Robbo.

Photos posted online show the couple making the most of their journey before tragedy struck.

One picture shows the pair posing in front of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, with the Washington Monument rising into the sky in the background.

Another shows Mr. Mantz beaming with joy as he stood for a photo in front of the Waldorf Astoria, a historic post office turned luxury hotel near the White House.

His father Tony said he passed away only four days into 'what was to be his dream trip of a lifetime in the USA'.

'Needless to say my heart is completely shattered,' Mr. Mantz said.

Tributes have begun to pour in online for Mr. Mantz, who worked for Detector Dogs Australia, which trains dogs with highly developed senses of smell to help screen for items, typically illicit substances, across a range of environments.

Pierre Mantz tragically died last week while on holidays in the United States

Mr Mantz's family are now desperately trying to bring him home

The program said his 'natural talent and dedication' made him an integral part of the team.

'He worked tirelessly for many years to help it thrive,' his colleagues said in a tribute on behalf of DDA.

'His contribution, professionalism, and genuine care for both people and dogs will never be forgotten.'

Family friends and fellow trainers Kris and Tonia Kotsopoulos said they were 'heartbroken' and filled with 'incredible sadness'.

'[He was] a driven young man determined to become the best he could be in his art of animal training,' they said. 

The family are now working to bring him home as they grapple with exorbitant repatriation costs. 

Ms Robbo said the family is distraught and 'just want to get him home'.

'I cannot leave DC without him,' she said. 

He is pictured posing outside of the Waldorf Astoria hotel while in Washington DC

Mr Mantz trained specialist canines for Detective Dogs Australia

Loved one Kayley Booth has set up a GoFundMe to help raise funds for transportation, legal, and logistical expenses to bring Mr Mantz back to Australia. 

She described Pierre as 'a beloved son, brother, and friend—someone whose energetic spirit touched everyone around him'. 

'The process of repatriation is costly,' she wrote on the fundraiser page. 

'We kindly ask for your generosity and compassion to help ease this burden on his family during their time of unimaginable sorrow.'

The fundraiser has garnered more than $40,000 since it was launched on Sunday.

The Daily Mail has contacted DFAT for comment. 

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