Danny Appleton, 36, killed in crash on Capricorn Highway near Westwood

A beloved miner from the Sunshine Coast has been identified as the 36-year-old driver killed in a horror crash near Rockhampton.

Danny Appleton. Picture: Contributed

A father and road train operator has been identified as the victim of a tragic crash between a motorbike and Toyota HiLux on the Capricorn Highway near Westwood on Monday.

Police investigations indicate Danny Appleton, 36, was travelling east on the Capricorn Highway on a motorbike when it collided with a utility at the intersection with Spring Creek Rd at 11.04am.

Mr Appleton, who was from Blackwater, died at the scene.

While Mr Appleton was living in Blackwater and working in the mines at the time of his tragic passing, it is understood he hailed from the Sunshine Coast and had strong ties to the Gympie region.

Danny Appleton. Picture: Contributed

Family and friends of Mr Appleton have shared tributes on social media.

Jodie Ann Appleton posted to her Facebook page: “Not just my nephew but the brother I never had”.

“Raised together you were such a pain in my arse from throwing s–t at each other to carrying you home with the worst gravel rash because you followed me on your push bike to the shop when I told you not too. So glad I got to spend Xmas with you and got to ride with you. Was always a pleasure having you around.

“My heart is in pieces love you mate.”

Breanna Gardiner posted: “Rest in peace dad, will forever be your babygirl I miss you beyond words.”

Kristen Jean Bowers wrote: “So incredibly shattered. Just no words at all.”

The driver of the utility, a 65-year-old Rockhampton man, was transported to Rockhampton Hospital in a stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident closed the Capricorn Highway for a number of hours.

Forensic Crash Unit investigations are continuing.