Biker David Collins remembered as ‘old school gentleman’ after Yalboroo crash
Rebels member David Collins has been remembered as a passionate biker with a heart of gold as tragic details about his death and how his mates went out searching for him are revealed.
Police & Courts
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Tributes are flowing for a Bakers Creek man David Collins, 71, who was killed in a crash near Yalboroo and is being remembered as a passionate biker with a heart of gold and an ‘old school gentleman’.
Friend Sian Carson described Mr Collins as “one of the really good guys” who “would do anything for anybody”.
“He died doing what he loved,” she said.
“He was one of the boys (and) the companionship with other guys that loved just going for rides.
“Always saying stuff that would just make you laugh.”
“I only saw him last weekend … it’s hard to believe. At least I got a hug in.”
Mr Collins died on the way to the hospital after his motorcycle was hit by a Toyota Corolla around noon on Saturday, September 16.
The Bruce Highway was closed for several hours as police investigated the area near the Cathu O’Connell River Rd turn off.
Ms Carson said David, also fondly known as “Dirty”, was heading to a party in Townsville at the time of the crash.
“The Townsville guys said he hadn’t arrived by 4pm, so everyone was out looking for him,” she said.
Mr Collins was a member of the Mackay Rebels Motorcycle Club, but Ms Carson said the Mackay chapter was mostly family men who “like to ride their bikes on the weekend”.
“He was really one of the good guys and never hurt anyone,” she said.
She said the loss had already hit Rebels members hard, sharing one had told her they saw Mr Collin’s motorcycle “in pieces” on a truck and “knew instantly”.
Forensic Crash Unit officer in charge Michael Holland confirmed police would be doing further investigations.
“We can’t find any reason why this crash should have happened … on Saturday in broad daylight,” he said.
“Bottom line is it should not have happened, but it did.”
Mr Holland urged drivers to get dashcams to provide protection for themselves as clear cut evidence of crashes on regional roads.
Road Accident Action Group life member Noel Lang spent 23 years in forensic crash investigations for the police service and said drivers need to take responsibility for road safety.
“They’ve got to understand there are ramifications,” Mr Lang said.
“Most crashes happen as a moment of inattention … in most cases it is unfortunately human error.
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