‘So much life left to live’: Ipswich dad Scotty Rivers identified as motorcycle crash victim

A dear friend of a 37-year-old Ipswich dad who died in a motorcycle crash yesterday has paid tribute to the family-oriented, sports-loving, true-hearted man he was.

Friends and family of beloved Ipswich dad Scotty Rivers, known affectionately as “Pommy”, are in mourning following the shock news of his death at 37.

Early police inquiries indicate Mr Rivers was travelling west on Pine Rd, Richlands about 3pm yesterday (Thursday, May 26) when his motorcycle struck a sedan heading in the opposite direction.

He died a short time later at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Mr Rivers’ good friend Daniel Rakaupai said he was ‘bowled over’ by the devastating news.

“He was a very close bro of mine,” he said.

“I had a bit of trouble and every weekend pretty much he’d invite us around there and cook for everyone.

“He was a good bloke. He was one of the good eggs.”

Scott Rivers, 37.

Mr Rakaupai met Scotty about 10 years ago when they worked together at a Kmart distribution centre.

Over the past decade, they enjoyed countless good times, weekend beers, and sports games together.

“He loved his cars, loved his rugby, loved his soccer,” Mr Rakaupai said.

“I could always count on him, give him a call. He’s one of my good bros that I can count on my hand.

“He’s going to be missed, man.”

Scotty, a dad of one son and two step children, was also an honorary uncle to Mr Rakaupai’s children.

Mr Rakaupai said he would miss the good times he shared with his mate; an at-times “wild bull” who always “lifts everyone” and stood up for others and himself.

He said he and the many other people who loved Scotty would be “broken for a long time”.

Another good friend of Scotty’s, Chris Laegel, who knew him “forever” said he will be remembered as “a good-hearted guy who worked hard, was always up for a laugh, enjoyed life, and would always be there if you needed help.”

“(He) always enjoyed a punt on just about any sport and was an avid Canterbury Bulldogs supporter and a massive Tottenham Hotspur fan,” he said.

“He was a very family-oriented man, always dedicating time to not only his son and stepchildren, which he saw as his own, but also to his nieces and nephews.

“He will be dearly missed by his family and friends both here and in England.

“It’s an utter tragedy that he was taken when he had so much life left to live.”