Loved ones honour Kev Martin after death while chopping trees in Mid North SA

The man killed in a workplace accident in the state’s Mid North has been remembered as “a bloody hard worker” and integral part of the community.

Wally Allen, President of the Arthurton Progress society has lowered the town’s flags to half mast after the death of Kevin Martin who died in a workplace accident on Monday the 13th of January, 2024. Picture: Kelly Barnes

• Investigation launched after tree-cutting workplace death

An arborist who died while chopping trees in the state’s Mid North has been remembered as hardworking, selfless and a loving father.

Kev Martin died in a workplace accident at Bundaleer North just after 12.30pm on Monday.

Emergency services rushed to Springs Road, but the 34-year-old sadly died at the scene.

His adopted home of Arthurton on the Yorke Peninsula, which has a population of just 157 people, was rocked by the news.

Local farmer and friend John Dutschke placed flowers at the wheel of a truck, advertising Kev’s business, to pay his respects.

He said he would be missed by the tight-knit community.

Pictures of Kev Martin who died during a workplace accident at Bundaleer North. Picture: Facebook

“He was a bloody good fella, he was a bloody hard worker,” Mr Dutschke said.

“He actually did a couple jobs for me and didn’t charge me.

“He had the least amount of money, but he would give more than someone who had $10 million.”

The 34-year-old father has been remembered as a “bloody hard worker”. Picture: Facebook

He was an integral part of the community. Picture: Facebook

After moving to the Yorke Peninsula town five years ago with his wife Shan, Kev quickly became entrenched in the local community, often supplying firewood for town events.

The family of seven were regulars at the Arthurton Hotel, where they often enjoyed takeaway pizzas.

Locals told The Advertiser they would wrap their arms around his young family at this difficult time.

Arthurton Progress Association president and friend Wally Allen said he would be missed.

“Being a little community in Arthurton, anyone who is involved in an accident like that, it’s just tragic, it’s even worse when there’s kids and a wife involved,” Mr Allen said.

John Dutschke places flowers at the truck of Kevin Martin in Arthurton after the death of Kevin Martin who died in a workplace accident. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“It’s just rocked everyone.

“He worked a lot, but he just did it for the betterment of his family.

“He was only young, trying to grow his business and it’s just tragic something like this would happen.”

He said Kev would often drive his truck in the town’s Christmas parade and help out at the local men’s shed.

“He was a quiet man, who was always friendly, kind, community minded, who would help out with the street parades,” Mr Allen said.

“He was well respected and a great member of our local community.”

Friend Eldon Oster said he worked tirelessly to provide for his young family.

“His heart was to serve others,” Mr Oster said.

“Selfless was an understatement for this bloke.

Kev and Shan Martin with their daughters. Picture: Facebook

“He was the modern day version of a typical Australian, he’d give you the shirt off his back.

“He was a gut buster, he was a funny bugger, but he played by the rules and worked his ass off.”

Tributes also flowed on the Facebook page of his family’s business for a well-known personality, nicknamed “Kev the tree man” by at least one local.

“We’re going to miss you Kev, you had a big heart and a huge personality, taken way too early,” said Linda Rob Carson.

Tony Dolan said: “His last photo (was) of his new machine. He was always proud of his achievements, and worked so hard to get all he had.”

Police are preparing a report for the Coroner.