Council contractor, 73, dies in Marian worksite fall

A Queensland contractor in his 70s has died after a horror 10m fall, his body found at a worksite in the early hours of the morning.

George L. Vickers Bridge in Marian, where a 73-year-old council contractor fell 10m to their death in the early hours of June 14, 2024. Picture: Janessa Ekert

A man has died after a horror 10m fall from a bridge by a worksite in Mackay region in the early hours of Friday.

The hardworking 73 year old was on shift at 3am when it is believed he fell between the gap of the George L Vickers bridge which separates the railway line and road.

He was a contractor for Mackay Regional Council.

The bridge at the Marian Hampden Road and Anzac Ave intersection connects the town back to the Bruce Highway via Hampden.

Investigators are considering the possibility the man fell between this gap on the George L Vickers Bridge in Marian. Picture: Janessa Ekert

Mackay council CEO Scott Owen said it was a sombre day and the thoughts of everyone at council were with his family, friends, and colleagues.

In a video for council staff, Mr Owen said “Your safety is more important than any KPI in this organisation”.

Support is being offered to council staff affected by the incident.

Police said they would prepare a report for the coroner following the sudden and non-suspicious death of a 73-year-old man at Marian on June 14.
A Workplace Health and Safety Queensland spokesperson said WHSQ were making inquiries into an incident that occurred at Marian.

“Queensland Police Service responded to the incident and WHSQ are assisting police with their inquiries,” the WHSQ spokesperson said.

“As this is an active investigation, no further comment can be made at this time.”