Ronald Selig from Outback Opal Hunters dies in freak accident

The daughter of a Queensland opal miner and star of a popular reality TV show killed while working on a shed has remembered him as a kind, caring and fun-loving dad. Now, a safety investigation will examine just how he died.

Opal miner Ron Selig sadly died after falling from a roof in Winton in Outback Queensland.

A safety investigation has been launched following the death of a beloved television personality and member of the Australian opal mining community in a tragic freak accident.

Ronald ‘Ron’ Selig, 66, appeared in a number of seasons of reality television show, Outback Opal Hunters.

He was a part of the Boulder Opal Boys Downunder group, and was the loader driver, head chef and “Eagle Eye Opal Checker”.

Mr Selig was from the Sunshine Coast and mined in the area of Opalton, a small township near the Opalton Opal Fields, 120km from Winton and 190km from Longreach in Outback Queensland.

Ron Selig was a regular fixture on Outback Opal Miners. He sadly died on November 26, 2022.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s Mineral Mines and Quarries Inspectorate reported an opal mine worker suffered fatal injuries when he fell from the roof of a workshop at an industrial site on November 26, 2022.

It is understood Mr Selig was carrying out repairs on the roof after a severe weather event when a sheet of iron gave way and caused him to fall 5.8 metres to the ground.

The shed roof Ron Selig fell through after the sheet of iron broke.

The incident triggered an investigation and prompted a safety alert, which was published on January 19, 2023.

The safety alert cited recommendations all site senior executives should have adequate training and knowledge of working at heights and appropriate facilities to minimise the risk of persons falling from heights should be provided, including scaffold, elevated work platforms, fall restraints and arrest PPE.

The industrial site where Ron Selig was working at the time of the accident.

Outback Opal Hunters shared the news that Mr Selig had sadly passed away on their social media just less than two months after his death.

“Ron was a much loved member of the Outback Opal Hunters Family,” the post read.

“A great character and amazing Opal Hunter, always chasing that colour.

“We will always fondly remember Ron.

“Ron Selig. 1956 – 2022.”

Photos of opals by Ron Selig.

Mr Selig’s daughter, Mel, thanked everyone for their messages of kindness and condolences.

“The passing and the loss of our father Ron, has been the most challenging time for me and our whole family,” she wrote on social media.

“Ron’s mother, children, grandchildren and friends included, as well as yourselves.

“Ron is exactly how he is in real life, as he was on The Outback Opal Hunters.

“Ron was the most amazing, sensational son, father, grandfather and friend to all.

“Dad was a kind, caring and a fun loving man, who always would come out with the funniest jokes.

An opal mined by Ron Selig.

“Ron was an easy going guy too.

“Ron would’ve been extremely moved with your condolences towards him.

“Our family has amazing gratitude, for the fact that my dad/Ron, was a part of “The Outback Opal Hunters”.

“We will also continue to enjoy the episodes he was on, as I’m sure, you all will too.

“Thanks again for your loving kindness and condolences to Ron Selig.

“He was definitely one of a kind, we shall dearly miss our dad/grandfather – Ron.”

A funeral was held for Mr Selig on the Sunshine Coast on December 20.

The safety alert notes investigations into the fatality are ongoing.

Police are preparing a report for the Coroner.

Investigations so far have determined there were no suspicious circumstances.