Popular Melbourne DJ and model Courtney Mills passed away in Bali on Sunday following a balcony fall at BS Homestay in Kuta. The 37-year-old entertainer was visiting her two dogs when the incident occurred on Friday, January 10, 2025.
Mills underwent multiple surgeries but succumbed to her critical head injuries two days later, surrounded by her mother Diane Mayne and sister Kiani Mills, who had rushed to Bali upon hearing of the accident.
“She was beautiful, big-hearted, and happy-go-lucky,” her mother Diane Mayne told Nine News.
Kiani Mills shared heartfelt memories of her sister’s dedication to her craft: “She would drive hours and hours just to DJ for one hour. She would fly across the country to do the job she loved so passionately and to her it wasn’t a job, it was a life. Being behind those decks was her sense of freedom and we got to see her light up rooms.”
According to local authorities, hotel staff had escorted Mills to her second-floor room around midnight after noting she had been drinking. Approximately an hour later, she was found injured by the pool area.
Born and raised in Frankston, Melbourne, Australia, Mills had built a successful career as both a DJ and model. Her father, Andrew Mills, recalled her early passion for music, describing her as a “free spirit” who had been drawn to rhythm and sound from childhood. Before her international success, Mills had established herself as a prominent figure in Melbourne’s nightlife scene, performing at prestigious venues including Secret Garden, Hotel Barkley, and Motel Eve.
Mills had recently been living with her parents in Frankston after spending several years in Bali, which she considered her second home. Her connection to the island ran deep, extending beyond her professional life to include her beloved pets and a network of close friends.
The incident marked Mills’ third serious accident in Bali, following a fall down stairs in 2023 and a scooter crash in 2018.
Her talent agency praised her as a “brilliant” DJ and the “heartbeat of every party.” With over 150,000 Instagram followers, Mills had successfully merged her passion for music with a strong social media presence, sharing both her professional achievements and personal moments with her audience.
Just five days before the incident, Mills had posted a video of herself dancing to ‘Barbie Girl’ in a pink bikini.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed they are providing consular assistance to the family during this difficult time.
Following her wishes and connection to the island, Mills will be cremated in Bali. Her family plans to hold music-focused memorial services in both Bali and Melbourne, celebrating her life in the way she lived it – surrounded by music and loved ones.
“It’s just the grief and the mourning towards a life that’s been lost way too early,” Kiani told 9News, while their mother remembered her as “a wonderful human being with a big heart.”