Maxwell Gunn killed in motorcycle crash into pole at Sarina

A 33-year-old who died in a horror motorcycle crash is being remembered as a ‘beloved son, father, brother, and friend’ with an infectious laugh and positive determination.

Maxwell Lewis Gunn died in a motorcycle crash along Sarina Beach Rd in Sarina on Saturday, May 12, 2024. Picture: online-tribute.com

A 33-year-old who died in a horror motorcycle crash south of Mackay is being remembered as a “beloved son, father, brother, and friend” with an infectious laugh and positive determination.

Maxwell Lewis Gunn died on Saturday, May 12, after his motorcycle left the roadway and hit a pole along Sarina Beach Rd in Sarina.

Paramedics had attended the crash shortly after 9pm but the Campwin Beach man and Mader Group employee could not be saved.

“Max was a mischievous and funny soul who could light up any room with his cheeky grin,” an online obituary said.

“He was a devoted father who loved his son Hudson deeply and worked hard through every job he had … Max will be remembered for his big smile, cheeky personality, infectious laughter, kind heart and unwavering strength.

“His spirit remains alive in our treasured memories and in the love he gave to us.”

Maxwell Lewis Gunn was a devoted father who loved his son Hudson deeply. Picture: online-tribute.com

Mr Gunn was determined to overcome obstacles and he had recently found peace, buying his first home in Sarina Beach to start a “new life”.

Mr Gunn’s sister said she “had so many wishes” for her brother and it broke her heart to know “they won’t come true”.

She was proud of his resolve to better himself and the family was lucky Hudson had inherited Maxwell’s “beautiful big heart and kind soul”.

Maxwell Lewis Gunn had a cheeky grin, quick wit, and was the “life of the party”, Picture: online-tribute.com

She said her brother had a cheeky grin, quick wit, was the “life of the party”, lived fearlessly and she would always remember the “fun and mischief” they shared together as children from ride-on mower races to poly pipe wars, building forts, farm adventures and tiggy.

“There were many arguments and squabbles but you were by definition the big brother, you looked out for me, protected me, and you showed me what not to do,” she said.

Maxwell Lewis Gunn: ‘here for a good time not a long time’. Picture: online-tribute.com

Melanie Arnold-Stemm said Mr Gunn’s death had “shocked everyone” having only chatted to him a few days earlier to organise a “long overdue catch up”.

“You told me around the campfire that you were here for a good time, not a long time, and that the universe determines our fate from our struggles and our peace,” she wrote.

“Well, you were right bud, but I don’t think you meant this soon, or just as you found your place in this world.”

Maxwell Lewis Gunn with his son, Hudson. Picture: online-tribute.com

Jamie added it hurt knowing he could never again speak to his treasured friend but Hudson would learn of his father through the stories shared by family and friends.

“I know everything you did over the last 11 years was for your pride and joy Huddy, he is your no1 [sic] achievement,” he posted.

Mr Gunn’s cousin, Henry Close, posted he thought the world of Maxwell who was “such a cheeky little smartass” as a child.

“I’ll always treasure those times together as kids in Hervey Bay,” Mr Close wrote.

“You’ll stay in our hearts forever cousin, divine 33 forever.”

A tribute service for Mr Gunn was held at The Palms Restaurant on May 23.

Police are urging anyone with information on the crash to come forward as investigations continue.

The fatal incident comes just two months after 61-year-old motorcyclist, David Grant was found dead on a steep embankment on Eungella Dam Rd in the Pioneer Valley west of Mackay, and four months after Beaconsfield motorcyclist, Patrick Roots, died after crashing at a bridge in Pleystowe, also in the Pioneer Valley.