Go Fund Me starts for North Lakes’ Matt Ward, killed in Bauple crash

The community has continued to rally around the family of a respected father, powerlifter and personal trainer from Brisbane’s north after he was killed in a Bruce Hwy crash near Maryborough.

Matt Ward, 40, died at the scene when the crash happened about 1.07am near Chapman’s Rd on the Bruce Highway at Bauple.

An online fundraiser has been launched as tributes continue pouring in for a North Lakes man who was tragically killed in a truck crash at Bauple on New Year’s Day.

Matt Ward, 40, died at the scene when the crash happened about 1.07am near Chapman’s Rd, between Maryborough and Gympie.

The sports nutritionist and personal trainer had just celebrated his birthday days before the fatal crash.

This week, he was remembered as a much-loved friend, husband and father.

Genesis Health and Fitness was among the first to pay tribute to Mr Ward, with the team sharing its heartache after learning the tragic news.

“Today we are saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of our former team member, Matt Ward,” a post on the gym’s Facebook page read.

“Matt was a larger-than-life character who was well known and well-liked by many.

“We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Jarrod Britt also took to social media to share his memories of Mr Ward.

Matt Ward, 40, died at the scene when the crash happened about 1.07am near Chapman’s Rd on the Bruce Highway at Bauple.

“When I heard the news I was numb, didn’t think it was real,” he wrote

Describing Mr Ward as an “amazing man and father”, he said he was a role model to those whose lives he touched.

Among the dozens who had posted tributes on his Facebook page, Jenn Rose said she was heartbroken to hear of his death.

“In total shock and disbelief to read this,” she wrote.

“From our gym and training chats, spiels on life and mutual love for all things furry, you became a friend full of genuine love, honesty and goodness.

“You were always there for me in so many ways, I can’t thank you enough.”

Terry Pfaff said Mr Ward was “an amazing man, father and husband”.

“You’re going to be missed Matty,” he wrote.

The fitness guru had his own website, which said he had an extensive background from powerlifters and amateur athletes to “working professionals with nominal experience in lifting”

“Matt approaches fitness as a lifelong behaviour modification where we have continuous improvement,” the website reads.

Matt Ward, 40, died at the scene when the crash happened about 1.07am near Chapman’s Rd on the Bruce Highway at Bauple.

“His favourite client is anyone with a goal and a willingness to work towards it.”

A Go Fund Me page has been started to provide support to Mr Ward’s family.

The fundraiser, started by Mathew Burton, has raised $1060 so far towards a goal of $4000.

“Matt truly cared about his friends, family and anyone around him and showed this in the things he did to help people,” Mr Burton wrote.

“Now it is our time to give back to Matt and his family and help them in a time of need and when they are grieving his loss.

“Matt would have done the same for any of us, he helped many of us with his dog, through his coaching and just as a friend being there when we needed him.

“Now Matt needs our help, we would like to reach $4000 to help Matt’s family with the cost of the funeral and anything else that is needed to help them.

“Any dollar counts even if it is just $5 it going to be a great cause to help our dearest friend Matt Ward’s family.

“We miss you brother and your legacy will live on through the stories we tell.”