Alan Acton’s death latest to hit Queensland’s influential cattle family
The tragic death of Queensland cattle royalty Alan Acton in a helicopter crash on Tuesday is the fourth accidental death to rock the influential family in 12 years.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A well-known Central Queensland cattle family who have mourned the death of three family members over the years have been dealt another heartbreaking blow, with the fourth accidental death in 12 years.
Alan Acton was killed in a helicopter crash while mustering on his property near Dingo on Tuesday morning, six years after his young relative Brent Acton died in the same way near Cloncurry in 2017.
It is understood Alan’s helicopter, a Robinson R44, crashed in front of others who were helping with the muster on the historic cattle property.
Police and paramedics were called to the scene around 11.30am but it is understood the 65-year-old was killed instantly.
Brent, 40, was mustering in his Robinson R22 on a property north of Cloncurry when his helicopter crashed, leaving behind a wife and two sons.
A report found that a missing part caused the chopper to break up three minutes into Brent’s flight.
Like Alan, Brent was the only person inside the chopper.
Sadly, Alan’s brother and cattle king, Graeme Acton, died in 2014 after he fell off a horse during a campdrafting event at Clarke Creek in Central Queensland.
Graeme, 63, was flown to Royal Brisbane Hospital with critical head and chest injuries, but he died in hospital a week later surrounded by his family.
Graeme was one of the country’s biggest beef barons and part of the Acton Land and Cattle Company empire, which is in its fourth generation.
Thousands of people, including then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott and former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, attended Graeme’s funeral.
In 2011, Alan’s nephew Joseph Acton, died in a car crash in North Queensland.
The 22-year-old had just finished a butcher’s apprenticeship and returned to the property he grew up on, Millungera Station near Julia Creek, to work with his dad.
He was home for just two weeks before he died.
On Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Mark Furner was among those to pay tribute to Alan.
“I am devastated to hear of the death of Alan Acton,” he said.
“I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the Acton family.
“His is a great loss to the pastoral community of Central Queensland.”
Capricornia MP Michelle Landry also shared her condolences and said she was heartbroken to hear the news of his passing.
“Alan Acton was a dear friend who offered me great support and kindness over the years,” she said.
“Alan’s knowledge in all things grazing was astounding and will leave a lasting legacy in the agriculture industry. His loss will be felt for many years to come. “To Alan’s family, I send you my deepest condolences at your loss.
“He will be sorely missed by all.”
Alan was also well known in racing circles and was a prominent racehorse owner.
Rockhampton Jockey Club chairman Rob Carr offered his sombre condolences to the family.
“Alan was a great guy, he was well liked by many,” he said.
“The Acton family have been involved in racing, cattle and also good to community.
“It’s a very sad day for all.
Bombshell DV crackdown: Dating app bans, forced to share passwords
Domestic violence offenders could be dealt control orders similar to those used for organised crime and bikies under sweeping changes proposed by the Queensland Police Union.
Secret, big-profit investment hiding in your wardrobe
What can give you up to five times the return on your investment as real estate and as much as 10 per cent more than the ASX, and could be hiding in your wardrobe?