Tonsley cyclist Christian Collantes killed in Adelaide Hills crash remembered by family and friends

A 49-year-old Tonsley man killed in a cycling tragedy in the Adelaide Hills over the weekend has been remembered by family and friends.

A Tonsley man who died in a tragic cycling incident at Ironbank on Sunday has been remembered as a “kind-hearted man” who touched many lives.

The 49-year-old has been identified as Christian Collantes, who was cycling in the Adelaide Hills over the weekend with two others when he reportedly became separated from the group.

Emergency services rushed to Morgan Rd at Ironbank on Sunday morning following reports that a cyclist had crashed.

Christian Collantes has been remembered as a ‘kind hearted man’. Picture: Facebook

An Adelaide Hills resident who tried to revive him said it appeared that Mr Collantes’ bike went off the road before he hit a sign and was thrown into a bush.

Friends and family have since paid tribute to Mr Collantes on social media.

Among them was family friend Puj Pujalte, who moved to Australia from the Philippines in 2009, the same year as the Collantes family.

The two families helped each other during their early days in Australia, picking up each other’s children from kindergarten, helping move furniture and trading tips on finding work.

“When you have people like this, they’re like our support system,” Mr Pujalte said.

Tonsley man Christian Collantes. Picture: Supplied

Mr Pujalte would find work with News Corp Australia in circulation operations while Mr Collantes would go into the aged care sector.

Mr Pujalte described his friend as a “very kind, gentle person” who loved cycling.

“He even wanted me to get on a bike so I can exercise with them,” he said.

“He’s really adventurous … he’s been biking to Mount Barker.

Both families moved to Tonsley in recent years, becoming neighbours.

Mr Collantes’ family in the Philippines also shared tributes on Facebook, Aimee Collantes Rivera writing “gone too soon my brother”.

Christian Collantes will be deeply missed by friends and family. Picture: Facebook

Hundreds of people responded to the post, offering condolences and sharing their memories of Mr Collantes.

“A true gentleman and a kind hearted man who will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him,” Katrina Kashif commented. “Condolences to his beautiful family.”

Sue Mazzone said Mr Collantes’ passing was “such a huge loss to everyone who knew him.”

“A one in a million (beautiful) soul who touched so many lives brightened by his smile,” she said in a comment.

Others remembered Mr Collantes as “an amazing guy” who was full of “love and laughter”.

Mr Collantes is the 51st person to die on South Australian roads this year.

Major Crash officers are investigating the incident.