Flood victim Steve Bottcher funeral fundraiser reaches goal in less than a week

The devastating death of Tiaro excavator Steve Bottcher in the January Wide Bay floods unlocked an outpouring of love and support that has helped his grieving family lay him to rest.

An outpouring of love and support from the tight-knit communities of Tiaro and Bauple following the death of local father and businessman Steve Bottcher has helped his grieving family lay him to rest.

Bauple man and Tiaro excavator Steve Bottcher was believed to be doing a mercy run delivering food across a flooded Mary River at Tiaro on January 10, when the boat he was in overturned.

Mr Bottcher’s fiancee and his eight-year-old daughter, who were also on-board, managed to swim to safety and hold on to a tree until they were rescued the next morning.

The Mary River in flood at Petrie Park, Tiaro on January 9, 2022. PICTURE: Bronwyn Phillips.

Sadly, Mr Bottcher’s body was later found 200m downstream.

News of his death sent shockwaves through the community, with many tributes expressing people’s deepest sympathies to the grieving family.

A GoFundMe was started by close family friend Haelee Jade Faithfull on January 12, to support Mr Bottcher’s family with funeral costs, with all donations directly sent to Mr Bottcher’s daughter, Meghan Bottcher.

Ms Faithfull described Mr Bottcher as a “very fun loving man who was always up for a yarn and some coldies”.

“It’s such a sad loss for his family and friends and our community,” she wrote.

Steve Bottcher and his fiancee Carmen Dries (pictured here together at Montville) were going to get married in 2022, but Mr Bottcher’s life was tragically cut short during a mercy run in flood waters. Photo: Facebook

The GoFundMe received $3438 in donations, including $200 from Stephen Cain, whose niece Krystal Cain remains missing at Booubyjan after she was also swept away during the floods.

“Our hearts are with you and your family at this tragic time,” Mr Cain wrote.

As a result of the many generous donations, Ms Faithfull closed the fundraiser less than a week later and thanked the community for its support.

“Thanks to everyone we managed to raise more than the original amount intended,” she wrote on January 15.

“This GoFundMe page will now stop receiving donations and all the funds raised will go directly to the beneficiary.

“Thank you all again for your kindness you have shown in a difficult time.”

Steve Bottcher worked as an excavator at Tiaro, and was described as a beloved member of the community. Photo: Facebook

The Gympie Times has reached out to Ms Faithfull for comment.

Mr Bottcher’s family declined to comment, but shared their own tributes to the Tiaro excavator online in the wake of his devastating death.

Mr Bottcher’s stepdaughter, Tamara Dries, described Mr Bottcher as “someone with a heart of gold” in her own online tribute.

She said Mr Bottcher was supposed to marry his partner, Carmen Dries, in 2022 before his life was tragically cut short.

“We were meant to watch you marry your best friend and soulmate spend special occasions with you celebrate achievements and goals,” she wrote.

Mr Bottcher and Ms Dries in 2019. Photo: Facebook

“ … His warming, happy witty personality was a pleasure to have known, and really someone you’d be proud to have as a role model or as a son.”

Mr Bottcher’s nephew, William Botcher, said his uncle’s legacy will always remain in a touching tribute posted to Facebook on January 12.

“While our family mourns, I hope another learns to forgo the silly fights and meaningless arguments that all loved ones have, and remember to cherish their time, as the end of which, they may never see coming.

“Those of us you must leave behind today will never forget you.”

A funeral will be held for Mr Bottcher at LifeChurch in Maryborough West at 2pm on Monday, January 24.