Tributes for ‘loyal, compassionate’ miner killed at Baralaba coal mine

A young Queensland mine worker killed at the weekend is being remembered for his loyalty and compassion, as the company that employed him reveals more detail about how he died.

A YOUNG Queensland mine worker killed at the weekend is being remembered for his loyalty and compassion as loved ones raise money for his family left behind.

Friends are rallying together to raise money for the family of 27-year-old Jack Gerdes, who lost his life at the Baralaba North Coal Mine in Central Queensland.

More than $1,000 has been raised for Mr Gerdes’ family so far.

“Jack was one of the good ones,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Always up for a laugh or a chat.”

“He touched so many people with his loyalty, compassion and dry sense of humour [SIC]. He always had a smile and will be missed greatly.

“Taken far too young”.

The funds raised will go directly to the young miner’s family to help them with the sudden funeral expenses and allow time to grieve.

“It is time for us to come together to help his family get through this devastatingly state time,” the page reads.

One friend of Jack’s told The Courier-Mail everyone is “absolutely devastated” by his death.

“Everyone on B crew is absolutely devastated that something like this could happen to not only a work mate, but a family member,” she said.

“We spend half our years working and living beside each other at the mine camp so we all become extremely close, like family.”

She said the mining community is like “our home away from home”.

“He was an awesome guy with a dry sense of humour that everyone loved. Taken way too soon from his family, friends and us.”

A co-worker said Jack’s death was a huge shock to the close nit mining community.

“Jack was always the first to offer help and give advice. an all around legend of a bloke. Everyone loved him,” he said.

“He was a highly skilled and talented operator and I’m extremely fortunate to have met him and been able to learn from him. I miss him greatly, always will. “

A friend of Jack’s told The Courier-Mail it was an absolute tragedy.

“It was unbelievable as it unfolded. He was a really easy going fella and got along with everyone. Loved a good yarn,” he said.

“Absolute tragedy for someone so young to go like that. I will always remember him.”

Mine operator Golding released a statement on Monday night, confirming the man’s identity and providing further details of how he was killed:

“We can now confirm the deceased was Jack Gerdes, an experienced mining operator, who had been engaged at Baralaba since December 2018.

“He had previously worked for Golding at another project for a number of years.

“At approximately 1.30am on Sunday, July 7, Mr Gerdes was delivered to an excavator in the open mining pit where his task was to commence waste mining activities.

“The operator of the first truck to present for loading received no response from Mr Gerdes and exited the truck to check on him.

“Subsequently the truck operator initiated the emergency response.

“Emergency responders attended the scene quickly and found Mr Gerdes on the stairs of the excavator with injuries to his head, face and limbs.

“Mr Gerdes was transported to Baralaba hospital, 5km away.

“It is believed that Mr Gerdes became caught between the body of the excavator and the safety rails of the stairs, sustaining injuries as the stairs descended.

“At this point, it remains unclear as to how this sequence of events occurred and this remains the focus of the investigation.

“No other mining equipment or personnel were involved.

“The site was immediately shut down and remains shutdown at this point in time.

“It is xpected that mining activities may recommence on Wednesday, July 10, depending on the progress of the investigation.”

Counselling services said have been made available to all staff, and Golding Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Caton, visited Mr Gerdes’ family and partner today.

“We are committed to working with the authorities in every way possible in their investigation process,” Mr Caton said.

“I’d like to reiterate our deepest condolences to Jack’s family, friends and workmates during this very difficult time.”

Donate to the GoFundMe campaign here.