Chris Collins: Warwick mourns treasured dad, community figure killed in workplace tragedy

‘We are so devastated he’s gone’: Loved ones have shared their heartache and devastation at the shocking sudden loss of a beloved father, friend, and pillar of the Warwick community.

The Warwick community has been left devastated by the sudden and tragic death of Chris Collins, a beloved father and friend being remembered for his tireless dedication and generous spirit.

Chris was killed in a workplace incident on Saturday morning, aged 52.

Well-known across the Rose City for his heavy involvement with major sporting clubs such as the Warwick Cowboys and Collegians Junior Rugby League, those closest to Chris say his family and loved ones were always the centre of his life.

Daughter Sophie said their tight-knit family was absolutely heartbroken and still struggling to come to terms with the shock loss of the extremely talented man who could do “anything and everything” he put his mind to.

“We are so devastated he’s gone, (and) we already miss him incredibly. But I know he’d be saying, ‘She’ll be right’, and he’d want us to just take care of each other,” she said.

“Some main things about my beautiful dad is his great love for family, his mates, football, rodeos, and creating.

“His latest project was breaking in his horse, Benji, something he’s always wanted to do.

“He has built an amazing bar at our place called ‘The Rusty Nail’, where we had planned to do so many things to continue to build our beautiful home.”

Grateful to have received such a huge outpouring of love and support from the Warwick community in the days since Chris’s death, Sophie said her dad would remain an inspiration to herself and many others.

“He was always so positive – a glass half-full kind of guy,” she said.

“This, alongside his hardworking attitude and dedication, has always inspired us and lifted our spirits.

“We will forever love my amazing dad – a great husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, son, son-in-law, uncle, cousin, and loyal friend to all.”

News of Chris’s sudden death sent shockwaves right across Warwick over the weekend, with the Cowboys taking a minute’s silence to pay their respects as part of the Jim Stevens Memorial Trophy game on Sunday.

The School of Total Education team also shared their grief at the loss of the valued member of their school community.

“Good-natured and friendly, Chris was a kind and generous man who was always ready to help. His presence lives on in the school through the many projects he contributed to,” the statement read.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with wife Jo, children Sophie and Alistair, and their extended family.”

Dozens of Rose City residents have taken to social media to share their own tributes to Chris on his Facebook page, with Matt Bohm saying the terrible news brought him to a standstill.

“Rest easy Head! You’ll never be forgotten as the champion that I knew,” he said.

Dean Mauch described Chris as a “model father, husband, and mentor” who had an impact on so many members of the community.

“(He) was one of, if not the most, genuine man I have ever had the privilege of meeting and getting to know,” he wrote.

“He had a unique energy that would bring confidence, joy, and happiness to so many people’s lives.

“Thank you for your mentorship and being the best mate/boss I will ever know.”

Chris is survived by wife Jo Collins, children Sophie and Alistair, siblings Jamie Collins and Helen Howard, parents Frank and Rita Collins, and his extended family.

His funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised.