Tributes for ambulance officer Stuart Brand after Outer Harbor shooting tragedy

The stepson of dedicated ambulance officer Stuart Brand has posted a tribute online after his shock shooting death near a popular suburban lookout.

Stuart Brand with his wife. Picture: Supplied by family

The stepson of heroic ambulance officer Stuart Brand has taken to Instagram to thank people for the outpouring of support his family has received following the tragic death of his stepfather.

Stuart Brand, 48, had been a highly respected SA Ambulance clinician for the past 16 years before his death at Outer Harbor, in Adelaide’s northwest, on Monday night.

Despite desperate attempts from his former colleagues, including MedStar emergency responders, the off-duty paramedic died at the scene.

Stuart Brand's stepson's tribute on Instagram

Mr Brand’s stepson posted a family photo of himself, his brother, mum, sister and Stuart with a family dog to his Instagram story.

He captioned the loving family picture: “Stuart, you were an amazing stepfather, partner, and colleague.

“I’m so sorry.

“Thanks for all the support messages and respecting our privacy at this time.”

He included a link to Beyond Blue.

The emergency services worker has been remembered as a dedicated, highly regarded ambulance officer.

Premier Peter Malinauskas led tributes to the “hero” paramedic after the “confronting” incident.

SAAS ambulance officer Stuart Brand with his wife. Picture: Supplied by family

Stuart Brand (pictured with his wife) was described as “a highly regarded and respected clinician”. Picture: Supplied by family

Mr Brand, a father, joined the service in 2008, serving for 16 years across the state in various clinical roles.

His family released touching images of him and his podiatrist wife of almost five years, Natalie - who was a widow - celebrating a graduation ceremony and travel.

His relatives were too distressed to speak publicly.

Friends left flowers at the scene near the harbor’s lookout adjacent to Lady Ruthven Reserve and near the cruise liner passenger terminal.

Ambulance officers also posted a tribute on social media of a black ribbon with the words “ambulance - in our hearts.

Flowers left near the scene at Lady Ruthven Reserve on Tuesday. Picture: RoyVphotography

In a statement, SAAS chief executive Rob Elliott, said ambulance workers and other emergency volunteers were being offered counselling after the loss of their highly-regarded colleague.

“It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of our esteemed colleague and paramedic, Stuart Brand,” he said.

“Stuart was a highly regarded and respected clinician within SAAS. With his extensive tenure and diverse roles, he touched the lives of many within our workforce,” he said.

“His absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“Every support is being offered to the family, who have requested privacy in this difficult time.

“At SAAS, we operate as a close-knit group, and the loss of one of our own deeply affects us all.

“We are committed to providing support to all those affected by this tragedy.”

Ambulance officers posted this tribute on social media to dead paramedic Stuart Brand. Picture: Facebook

They also posted this tribute. Picture: Facebook

Mr Malinauskas said Mr Brand’s death - which came after an unrelated incident where a female police officer was found dead at Port Adelaide Police Station - was a tragic reminder of how these kinds of incidents can impact all South Australians.

“These deaths are heartbreaking when you see them occur anywhere in the community,” he said.

“But particularly heartbreaking when you see it happen with someone who’s clearly been serving South Australians for some time.

“I think it’s important at this particular time that we think of the family, but also the colleagues of the ambulance officer

“We are doing everything we can as a government to make sure that ambulance officers, particularly those who worked with this particular individual, are provided all the support that you would expect at this moment.
“We’ve seen a similar tragedy take place within the police force recently and it’s just a reminder that these types of incidents occur in our community all the time, it doesn’t matter who you are ... even if you’re a person who we rightly label a hero.”

Police at the scene of the Outer Harbor tragedy.

Health Minister Chris Picton said he was “deeply saddened” by news of the tragedy and extended his condolences to Mr Brand’s family, friends and colleagues.

“Stuart was a highly regarded member of the close SAAS family, which he joined in 2008 and served in a variety of clinical roles, both within Country and Metropolitan Operations,” Mr Picton said.

“As a community we will wrap our arms around the SA Ambulance Service during this sad time.

“Our ambos do an amazing job for South Australia and it’s our turn to take care of them.”

In a statement on social media, the Ambulance Employees Association wrote: “The AEA sends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and work mates of Paramedic Stuart Brand during this tragic time.

“Stuart was a highly regarded, compassionate ambo who showed empathy and care for his patients. His loss is being felt deeply within our green family.”

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which occurred near the Outer Harbor lookout – adjacent to Lady Ruthven Reserve and near the cruise liner passenger terminal.

Shocked locals are believed to have witnessed the shooting, which is being treated as non-suspicious.