Ben Heaton remembered following Mt Beerwah death

The family of an experienced, fit and healthy hiker who unexpectedly died while on a solo climb on the Sunshine Coast this week, has shared a heartbreaking tribute and urged fellow hikers to keep his memory alive.

Climber Ben Heaton, of the Glass House Mountains, is being remembered following his death on Mt Beerwah. Picture - Facebook/Ben Heaton.

The family of an experienced, fit, and healthy hiker who unexpectedly died while on a solo climb on the Sunshine Coast this week has shared a devastatingly heartbreaking tribute - urging fellow hikers to keep his memory alive through their climbs.

SEQ hiker Ben Heaton, 42, of Glass House Mountains, was found dead after a medical episode on Mt Beerwah on Sunday, May 5.

Emergency services were called to Mt Beerwah at 5.30pm, after he was found dead on the hiking trail.

His sister Jill Heaton has shared a tribute on social media.

“Ben loved those that crossed his path and definitely left an impact to those those not threatened to listen or challenge! He was our mate,” she said.

“The hole left in our hearts is huge.

“These memories mean the world to us.

“Keep him alive through your support of each other, in your climbs, in conversations and by always pushing yourself to get better at whatever you are passionate about.

“That’s was what Ben believed in.

“Ben knew he was loved and we knew he loved us.

“Thanks for being such an awesome community for Ben. Rest easy brother.”

Climber Ben Heaton in his element. Picture – Facebook/Ben Heaton.

Craig Evans, from Save our Summits (SOS), a hiking advocacy group Mr Heaton was a part of, said he would miss him dearly in a social media tribute.

“It is in a state of stunned disbelief that I write these words after spending the first 24 hours in shocked silence, mourning the passing of our great friend, Ben,” he said.

“Ben, you were an amazing person: kind, generous, and fun to be around; no wonder you were so popular. There was never any bulls--t or bravado; people always knew where they stood with you: in a world of superficiality, you were an authentic breath of fresh air.

“Your cheeky smile, the twinkle in your eyes, your sharp wit and your wicked sense of humour made you so much fun to be around. Today the world is a poorer, darker and sadder place for you not being in it.

“When we founded SOS, you were there right from the inception, and wow, did you run with it! The team and I relied on you for your input so much in those early days. You were one of the smartest guys I know, with an insatiable thirst for information. You were a reader and a researcher, and you were invaluable to us at SOS. From all at SOS, for all you have done for this cause, and for all we will achieve in the future thanks to the foundation you helped lay, we say thank you.

“I woke in the middle of the night, last night, with tears in my eyes as I thought of your family and felt their loss. I am still in a state of disbelief. I only knew you a few short years, but it was an honour to call you my friend.

“Climb high, and rest in peace Ben.”

Ben Heaton. Picture – Facebook/Ben Heaton.

Other close friends of the beloved climber have shared tributes saying he would be greatly missed.

April Barnett said she was supposed to meet Mr Heaton for a sunset climb on Sunday afternoon.

“He was working on his home and was going to come down to Pages Pinnacle for sunset with me but was too far and he was running late so he decided to just do Beerwah instead,” she said.

“He was a very fit and very healthy man.

“He was very experienced, loved creating events and bringing people together. He was always laughing and pushing himself to do things that scared him and to just grow as a person.”

Ben Heaton has been remembered fondly. Picture – Facebook/Ben Heaton.

Ms Barnett said she was not aware of any underlying medical conditions Mr Heaton may have suffered from.

“It’s a really sad moment to our beautiful friend,” she said.

“He was a good soul.”

Hayley Fuorro said she would miss her climber friend.

“Rest in peace legend,” she said.

“I will always remember you...your awesome conversations and you being just one down to earth, funny, positive friend that had a good heart.

“He was such a good man.

“The climbing/hiking community is in shock and devastated.

“Fly High.”

Ben Heaton with a dog. Picture – Facebook/Ben Heaton.

Jason Maxwell shared a tribute online for his friend.

“Rest in peace mate,” he said.

“You’ll be deeply missed.

“But you’ll always be with us on the mountains.”

Mr Heaton’s death is being treated as non-suspicious and police will prepare a report for the coroner.