Farmer remembered as loving husband, father after tragic floodwater death

A farmer who died trying to save his cattle from rising floodwaters west of Brisbane has been remembered as a loving husband and father.

A Killarney farmer has been remembered as “the head and heart” of his family after he died in a last-ditch effort to save his cattle from flash flooding in the Southern Downs overnight.

Paul Stephenson, 69, died on Wednesday night after he was swept away in rapidly rising water as more than 180mm of rain fell in just an hour on the Darling Downs overnight.

Colleen and Paul Stephenson. Tributes are flowing for Mr Stephenson after he died in floodwaters last night. Photo: Supplied

Police are adamant Mr Stephenson was not driving dangerously and did not attempt to cross a flooded road.

Instead, the Courier Mail understands he was driving across a bridge on his property at Condamine River Road in an attempt to muster his cattle to higher ground, when he was hit by a wall of water and swept away.

In a statement, Mr Stephenson’s wife Colleen Stephenson and family said their lives would never be the same.

“We lost our heart and head of our home – our Paul,” the statement read.

Tributes are flowing for Paul Stephenson after he died from being swept away in floodwaters on Wednesday night. Photo: Supplied

“He was a magnetic character always smiling and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

“Paul was moving cattle on our family property when his ute, which was parked in a paddock, was swept away by a sudden surge of floodwater. We know he was acting safely.”

Ms Stephenson said the family wanted to express their sincerest gratitude to the Killarney community and emergency services for their search efforts and ongoing support.

Paul Stephenson and his family. He is remembered by his wife, three children and their families. Photo: Supplied

“Paul is remembered by his loving wife and three children and their extended family.”

“On this saddest of days we ask you to respect our family’s privacy.

We will release details of his funeral in the upcoming days.”

Minister for Emergency Management and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud joined the close-knit community in grieving the tragedy, offering his condolences to the Stephenson family.

“I am shocked by the news this morning, and I offer my deepest condolences to the family, Killarney is a close knit community and this has had a devastating effect on the community,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This is a tragic reminder of just how quickly weather systems can turn, and I urge all Australians to stay up to date with warnings, have a plan for an emergency, but above all remember if it’s flooded, forget it.

Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the Council and community would rally behind the family.

“Our hearts go out to them, we can’t imagine what they are going through a week before Christmas to have to deal with this,” he said.

“It is just devastating.”