Richard Jacobi dies after workplace excavator incident

The community is mourning a much-loved father and husband killed in a workplace incident south of Maryborough.

Richard Jacobi, 55, died after having his legs crushed in a workplace excavator incident at Owanyilla.

A father who was killed in a workplace incident south of Maryborough on December 10 is being mourned by the community.

Richard Jacobi, 55, of Mungar, died after having his legs crushed in a workplace excavator incident at Owanyilla near Tiaro on December 10, 2024.

At the time, a Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said a man in his 50s was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital by helicopter with life threatening leg injuries.

He later died in hospital.

Richard Jacobi, 55, died after having his legs crushed in a workplace excavator incident at Owanyilla.

It is understood Mr Jacobi was at work with an irrigation business on a macadamia farm when the incident happened.

“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has been notified of the incident that occurred at a macadamia farm at Owanyilla yesterday afternoon,” a spokesperson for WHSQ said at the time.

“WHSQ inspectors are responding to the incident on site with the Queensland Police Service this morning (Wednesday December 11).”

Mr Jacobi has been remembered as a beloved husband, father and grandfather in the wake of his shock death.

Devastated friends and family have taken to social media, with one saying:

“Beautiful man taken way to soon! Sending so much love and our deepest condolences to the family!}

Mr Jacob’s funeral will be held on Monday, December 23, at the Heritage Chapel at Maryborough Crematorium from 1pm.