Tributes for Martin John Wheeler after Fitzroy River tragedy
Friends and loved ones are mourning the tragic death of a tree lopper in a Central Queensland river, with one saying “words can’t start to describe the pain.”
Rockhampton
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Heartbroken friends have paid tribute to Martin John Wheeler, the tree lopper who lost his life in a Central Queensland river at the weekend.
“To receive the news … you are no longer with us breaks my heart,” Melitta Vilciauskas said in an emotional tribute.
“Words can’t start to describe the pain and the dent you have left on all your family and friends’ hearts, as my soul cries for you to come back.”
Ms Vilciauskas said she remembered all of her and Martin’s memories together.
She described Martin as “the most amazing friend and truly a really kind person - he loved to make people laugh and most of all he loved his family and his kids were his absolute world.”
“My belly has never hurt so much in laughter in my life than when in your presence,” Ms Vilciauskas said.
“You were the joker and a practical prankster and someone I always looked forward to seeing their face.
“A huge part of my soul will be missing with you gone from this earth mate.
“May the heavens look over you now till we meet again, may you always be remembered, love you forever Martin Wheeler.”
Brendon Mccallum said he was a teenager when he met Martin and they got along well from the outset.
“Yeah I met Marty as a young fella – around 19,” Brendon recalled.
“My friend and my sister bought me a dog from him for my birthday.
“I met him then and we kicked it right off.
“He was a big fan of dog breeding and was very passionate and dedicated to his breed’s bloodline.”
Mr Mccallum described Martin as “a fun loving family bloke.”
“He loved to party and always treated me well in front of others.
“Never was a bloke to put someone down.
“Had a lot of fun times with him.
“He had his own business that he worked hard to get to.”
Mr Mccallum said he had not seen Martin in recent times.
“I haven’t seen him in the last few years and thought he was on a good path the last time I seen him.
“This was very unexpected and unfortunate news. Sad to hear how his story ended.
“I will surely miss the bloke.”
Thomas Arnold was another to pay tribute, saying: “Love you mate forever and always.”
Michael Johnston said: “Will be missed but never forgotten my brother.”
Brendan Buttenshaw said: “Rip mate, was good knowing ya Martin Wheeler.”
Mr Wheeler had fled from police on East Street, Rockhampton, last Thursday (October 19) just before 6pm.
He was last seen jumping into the Fitzroy River and was reportedly sighted in distress and called out for help while treading water.
He was not seen coming back to the bank.
A search and rescue operation immediately began and was conducted over the next two days with the assistance of police, including divers from Brisbane, RACQ Capricorn Rescue, coastguard, SES personnel and wildlife rangers.
Mr Wheeler’s body was discovered on Saturday night (October 21) around 11pm.
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