Tributes flow for former Roar boss Mark Kingsman after jet ski accident

Australia’s sporting community is mourning the death of former ­Brisbane Roar managing director Mark Kingsman, who died while jetskiing off South Stradbroke Island on Wednesday.

AUSTRALIA’S football community is mourning the death of former ­Brisbane Roar managing director Mark Kingsman, who died while jetskiing off South Stradbroke Island on Wednesday.

Father-of-two Kingsman, 54, from Hope Island, died after falling from his ski, possibly suffering from a medical episode.

Among those with Kingsman at the time of his death were his close friends, former Socceroos pair Craig Moore and Danny Tiatto.

Mark Kingsman died after a jet ski accident of South Stradbroke Island on Wednesday. Picture: 7 News Queensland

Moore and Tiatto and friend Grant Hughes were among those who attempted to resuscitate Kingsman while waiting for medicos to arrive.

Kingsman, who was also East Coast Car Rentals chief executive, was Roar managing director for 14 months before being sacked in October 2017.

A shattered Moore said Kingsman would be “hugely missed”.

“He was a great man and a great mate,” Moore said.

Mark Kingsman with daughter ‘Freddie’ and wife Nikki.

Mark Kingsman and boxer Jeff horn at a Roar game.

Kingsman’s wife Nikki said her late husband — a devoted fan of English Premier League club Arsenal — “loved football and revelled in being part of the footballing community”.

“That he is being remembered so fondly by them is a huge compliment and a symbol of the utmost respect. He would be delighted,” said Nikki, the mother of Kingsman’s beloved teenager daughter “Freddie”.

“Thank you so much for the outpouring of condolences.

“We are not sure how we will move forward after this great loss. We miss him immensely. We now ask for people to respect our wishes and allow us to grieve in private.”

Mark Kingsman. Picture: Paul Smith Photography

It’s understood a minute’s silence will be observed in Kingsman’s honour before the Roar host Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night, with Brisbane players to wear black armbands.

“Vale Mark Kingsman. Brisbane Roar Football Club would like to pass on our sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of our former Managing Director, who has passed away,” the club tweeted yesterday.

Vale Mark Kingsman.

Brisbane Roar Football Club would like to pass on our sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of our former Managing Director, who has passed away. pic.twitter.com/54loZHLao9

— Brisbane Roar (@brisbaneroar) January 3, 2019

Football Federation Australia’s Mark Falco tweeted: “Terrible, sad news. Sincere condolences to family and friends. RIP Mark,”.

Glory chief executive Tony Pignata also expressed his condolences via social media.

“Very saddened and shocked by the passing of former @brisbaneroar MD Mark Kingsman. We shared many times together. Thoughts are with his family. #RIP,” he tweeted.