William George Howlett revealed as victim of Gympie bashing

A much loved businessman has been remembered by his family as a “devoted father” keen hunter, fisherman following his tragic death in hospital.

William George Howlett, 41, has been named as the Lagoon Pocket man who died following an alleged bashing outside the Queenslander Hotel about 2am Sunday, November 19, 2023. he died in hospital about 5am Monday.

A man who died after being allegedly bashed outside a regional Queensland pub on Saturday night has been revealed as a Mary Valley businessman and father, William “Billy” George Howlett.

His death came after an incident outside the Queenslander, a pub in Gympie, three hours north of Brisbane at around 2am on Sunday, November 19. He was allegedly hit and fell to the ground.

He received critical injuries and was assisted by witnesses giving CPR in an attempt to save his life as they waited for the paramedics to arrive.

Mr Howlett was airlifted from Gympie to Sunshine Coast University Hospital and died in hospital.

Two men have been arrested and charged for murder over the incident.

Mr Howlett was growing his own business in the Gympie region, was a father and lived in Lagoon Pocket, 10km south of Gympie.

A statement from his family, penned by his younger sister Georgie remembered him as someone who “loved all things fishing and hunting”.

Men charged over deadly bashing

“Bill’s life was tragically ended short and he should still be here today with all of us,” it said.

“A family that loves him and will take a very long time to heal from this.”

Mr Howlett grew up in Lightning Ridge and Dubbo, in New South Wales, and had an”undying love for his NSW blues and the Rabbitohs,” they said.

“Bill was up and coming with his own business local to Gympie and surrounds.”

William George Howlett, 41, has been named as the Lagoon Pocket man who died following an alleged bashing outside the Queenslander Hotel about 2am Sunday, November 19, 2023. he died in hospital about 5am Monday.

Police investigate possible motive for deadly bashing

The news of Mr Howlett’s death has rocked the community in Gympie with an outpour of family and friends taking to social media to share their memories of him.

“One of the nicest blokes I’ve met. Always smiling and happy to say hello and have a chat. Thinking of you and your family,” commented Bec Holt.

“Bloody great guy, had the privilege to work, drink and be a mate. The angels have another legend RIP my friend,” Rick Barton wrote.

Mr Howlett’s cousin also made comment via social media.

“We are all in shock and feeling as though this is all a scary nightmare,” she said.

“Our hearts are absolutely shattered and we are all a complete mess right now.”

A thread of comments showed residents around Veteran recognised Mr Howlett as their postie.

“Ahhh man didn’t even know you properly but you were my postie and always done right by me with the biggest smile, we got to have a couple mad little yarns. You were a good bloke. Condolences to your mob. RIP Billy,” Rachel Ogilvie said.

“Yep our postie as well. If I was home when he delivered a parcel he always said ‘How are you young lady?’ I am not young.... RIP Bill,” Maree Joy said.

“Fly high - you are with the angels now, you are lost but not forgotten,” his little sister Georgie Howlett said.

“The beloved son of Tanya Leanne Brown and George Thomas Howlett, William was the oldest sibling to three younger sisters Barbara, Nadine and Georgie and a loving and devoted father to Mikayla, William and George,” the family statement said.

“William was an amazing uncle to lots of nieces and nephews who he loved very dearly.

“We love you Bill, forever now in our hearts and memories.”