Tristan Ferguson tribute: Family friends pay respects to man killed in Woombye crash

Loved ones of the Palmwoods man killed in a Sunshine Coast truck crash have paid heartbreaking tribute to a ‘loyal, amazing’ young man who had the world at his feet.

Family friends have paid tribute to an inspirational young Palmwoods man who had turned his life around before it was tragically cut short in a truck crash at Woombye.

Tristan Ferguson had the world at his feet. He was engaged, weeks away from buying land to build a house, he harboured his own business ambitions and at 25 was on course towards a bright future.

But Mr Ferguson’s life was cut short on February 9 when he died in a Brisbane hospital, where he had been flown after a horrific crash along Blackall Range Rd on February 1.

Despite the best efforts from paramedics, rescue helicopter crews and hospital staff he was unable to be saved.

Mr Ferguson’s death affected many people across the region and more than $5000 has been raised to help support his family.

Social media was flooded with tributes for Mr Ferguson in the days since his death while one of those closest to him has shared a heartbreaking but beautiful insight into his life.

Friends have paid tribute to young Palmwoods man Tristan Ferguson who was tragically killed in a truck crash at Woombye. Picture: Contributed

His employer, Chris Davis, a man who thought of Mr Ferguson as more of a son than an employee, said getting to know the young man throughout the past five years had been a privilege.

Mr Davis watched as Mr Ferguson made the remarkable transition from a troubled youth to a “lovely, hardworking young man”.

When Mr Davis first met him, he said he was a teenager who had been through his fair share of tough times.

“Basically, he was in a low spot in life and his dad brought him back home to start a new life,” Mr Davis said.

“In a short space of time he turned himself from someone a bit lost in life into an inspiration.”

The dreams that were once an improbability - owning a house, having a family, stepping out into a career of his own - were fast becoming a reality.

Pride filled Mr Davis’ voice as he reflected on the good times together, the job site jokes, Mr Ferguson’s love of camping, jet-skiing and fishing, his love for his family and his partner Anita Koski.

“He and Anita were engaged and were three weeks away from buying a block of land to build a house. They had the plans approved,” he said.

“He was extremely intelligent and had plans to go into business for himself, but I am not sure if machinery was his plan.

“I’m massively proud of him. So are his parents. So proud of him.”

Another of Mr Ferguson’s closest mates, Brodie O’Keeffe, penned a touching tribute to his friend on social media.

Mr O’Keeffe said the pair were like brothers.

“Saying goodbye to you was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life,” Mr O’Keeffe wrote.

“Never did I think we would have to part ways this early in life.

“Thank you for being the most solid, loyal, amazing person towards not just me but everybody who was lucky enough to know you.

“I love you. Thank you for the memories.”

Tristan Ferguson was rushed to hospital in a critical condition following a truck rollover at Woombye.

Mr Ferguson leaves behind his fiance Anita, parents Ethan and Jess, younger brothers Kobie and Sebastian, and extended family.

Mr Davis has since set up a GoFundMe campaign to support the Ferguson and Koski families and to help pay for a fitting farewell. To donate search #SupportTristansFamily on GoFundMe.

While funeral arrangements have not been finalised, Mr Davis said he believed there would be a small private family ceremony, followed by a larger gathering to celebrate his life.

“It will be astronomically large,” he said of the gathering.

“Everyone who knew him loved him.”