Mount Morgan father killed in freak accident while washing car

A Queensland community is mourning the death of a young father who always had a big smile on his face after he died in hospital following an accident while washing his car.

Jake Bashford was tragically killed in a freak car accident in Mount Morgan on Sunday afternoon.

A young father tragically died when the sedan he was washing on a Mount Morgan street rolled forward and hit him before it crashed into a nearby fence Sunday afternoon.

A photo of a content 27-year-old Jake Bashford with an adorable toddler will forever be the last Facebook profile picture he chose as grief-stricken friends and family, and a mourning community, remember him.

Descriptions of a young man who always had a smile and a kind word for everyone echo across social media as people share their sadness and offer their condolences.

Local woman Meagan Best shared on Facebook that Jake was a lovely young man and an “all around good person”.

“Always stopped to have a chat and a joke with you,” she stated.

“I never saw him with out a big smile on his face.

“He will be missed by so many people.

“This is such a tragic, freak accident and my heart breaks for his family and his children.”

The crash happened on Hall Street, Mount Morgan, about 35 minutes out of Rockhampton. Photo: Geordi Offord

His Year 7 graduation date shared her beautiful memories of Jake.

She told The Morning Bulletin on Facebook that she had known Jake since preschool.

“He was a wild child but had a kind heart,” she stated.

“Always happy and said ‘hello’.

“He will be dearly missed in the community and condolences to his family.”

Police said initial investigations indicated that about 3pm, the man was washing his sedan which was stationary along Hall Street at Mount Morgan, in the Rockhampton area.

The unoccupied vehicle then rolled forward, hitting the man before crashing into a nearby fence.

One local posted on Facebook, “Rip buddy. Your happy face will be missed. My deepest condolences go out to your family.”

“Sending so much love to his family at this very sad time. His big smile, & wave & a chat will be very missed,’’ another wrote.

Another who clearly knew the man shared their pain.

A 27-year-old man Mount Morgan died in hospital after the car he was washing rolled forward, hitting him before crashing into a nearby fence. Photo: Geordi Offord

“Well you have gone way to soon. Only was around a week ago we had quick chat as we did. This is devastating news. Can’t believe it. Condolences to all your family at this time. So sad.”

Someone else posted, “Rest in peace mate Can’t honestly believe your gone”.

Many people offered the man‘s family their condolences.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

More than a dozen people have died in crashes in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Livingstone, Banana Shire and Central Highlands local government areas this year.

Among the latest victims was a man who was only three months shy of celebrating his 22nd birthday.