Nick Cooper: Tributes flow for Warwick truckie, father killed in horror highway crash

Heartbroken family and friends have honoured the ‘loving father and wonderful husband’ whose sudden death in a shocking highway crash sent shockwaves through the community.

Beloved truck driver, father, and friend Nick Cooper was killed in a horror truck crash norrth of Warwick on Monday. He’s pictured here with wife Melissa and children Libby, Lincoln, and Heidi. Photo Neil Rickard / Warwick Daily News

The Warwick community has come together to remember the truck driver, father, and friend who was killed in a horrific highway crash this week.

Nick Cooper was behind the wheel of a semi-trailer that rolled on the New England Highway at East Greenmount on Monday, with the 40-year-old left trapped in the cab of the truck.

He was treated by paramedics for critical injuries and a rescue helicopter was called in, but he sadly died at the scene.

The father-of-four was born and raised in Warwick before moving to Clifton and then Bony Mountain with beloved wife Melissa and their children, with his sudden death sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

Describing herself as absolutely heartbroken, Melissa told the Warwick Daily News her husband would be remembered for his love for his family and friends, passion for agriculture, and dedication to his community.

Father-of-four Nick Cooper was tragically killed in a horror truck crash north of Warwick on Monday. Picture: contributed

“He was a genuine, kind, and generous man. He was a loving father and a wonderful husband,” she said.

“Nick had been a member of the Wheatvale Cricket Club, served as president of the Cunningham Pony Club, and the Wheatvale (State School) P & C.

“He was always available to help anyone in need and will be greatly missed by many.”

Dozens of fellow members of the Warwick and surrounding communities paid their respects and sent condolences to the Cooper family online.

“A true gentleman and a partner and dad lost to such a beautiful family. RIP my dear friend – I hope the rums are cold up there,” Kathy Moses wrote.

“So sad, condolences to all the family. Sending our thoughts and prayers,” Sarah Wells added.

Nick Cooper with (back) daughter Annika, wife Melissa, (front) children Lincoln, Heidi, and Libby.

“So, so sad, sending our love to all the family,” Jane George said.

Nick leaves behind his and Melissa’s four children Annika, 17, Libby, 14, Lincoln, 9, and Heidi, 7.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised.

Police investigations into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

The fatality is the 20th on roads across the Darling Downs police district this year, up from 16 this time last year.