Clayton Chandler: Townsville man loses life to soil-borne disease melioidosis

A beloved Townsville dad struck down by deadly Melioidosis was meant to celebrate his 50th birthday this Friday — instead, his heartbroken family will gather to say their final goodbyes.

Townsville man Clayton Chandler, known affectionately as Kouks, succumbed to the severe bacterial infection melioidosis after a brave battle on April 5. He would have turned 50 on Friday, the day of his funeral at the Lakes Chapel. Picture: Supplied

Townsville dad Clayton “Kouks” Chandler should have been blowing out candles on his 50th birthday this Friday — instead, his heartbroken family will gather to say their final goodbyes.

Mr Chandler, 49, tragically lost his life on April 5 after a brutal battle with Melioidosis, a deadly soil-borne infection that has exploded across North Queensland following the heavy wet season.

The killer bacteria has already claimed 26 lives in Queensland this year.

For Mr Chandler, it all started with a tiny cut on his foot that turned deadly.

“Clayton’s illness began with something as simple as a small cut on his foot, which made contact with soil carrying the dangerous bacteria,” his family revealed on a GoFundMe fundraiser for his funeral.

“From that moment on, he fought with incredible strength and courage – but sadly, the infection proved too much.”

The Rasmussen man, formerly of Palm Island and Mount Isa, was remembered as a “beloved brother, father, son, grandfather, and uncle”.

“Clayton leaves behind three beautiful children, two of whom are now being lovingly cared for by our family,” a family spokesman wrote.

“As we begin the heartbreaking journey of saying goodbye, we are reaching out to ask for support in giving Clayton the farewell he deserves.”

Townsville man Clayton Chandler, known affectionately as Kouks, succumbed to the severe bacterial infection melioidosis after a brave battle on April 5. He would have turned 50 on Friday, the day of his funeral at the Lakes Chapel. Picture: Supplied

The Daisy Family have established a GoFundMe page to help with the costs of the funeral and related expenses.

“Our goal is to celebrate Clayton’s life and legacy on what would have been his 50th birthday — May 2nd, 2025,” they said.

“A fitting day to honour a man who brought so much warmth, laughter and love to those around him.”

The campaign has so far raised $1440 of the $12,000 target.

The family declined to speak directly to the media.

“Clayton was a proud father, a loyal friend, and a man who lived with heart,” the family wrote. “His memory will live on in his children, his family, and the many lives he touched.”

People working outdoors have been urged to take the necessary precautions following a spike in the number of melioidosis cases and deaths following the wet weather.

According to Queensland Health, there has been 205 notified cases this year up to April 22, with most cases occurring in Cairns and Hinterland and Townsville Hospital and Health Service areas.

This represents a more than tripling of cases with the same period the previous year.

There have been more than 20 deaths in Queensland, including at least eight in Townsville.

The service will start at the Lakes Chapel at 2pm on Friday.

Originally published as Clayton Chandler: Townsville man loses life to soil-borne disease melioidosis