Jayson Halpin: Warrego Highway crash victim remembered after fatal crash west of Toowoomba at Bowenville

The victim of a fatal crash west of Toowoomba has been remembered as a gentleman and “amazing horseman” after the horror incident that left another man fighting for life in hospital.

The man killed in a horror highway crash west of Toowoomba has been remembered as a respected and well-loved member of the community, with investigations under way into the cause of the crash that claimed his life.

Wilsonton man Jayson Halpin died in a two-vehicle crash on the Warrego Highway at Bowenville on Tuesday night.

Police have revealed that initial investigations indicated that about 7pm a black Chrysler 300C sedan was travelling east on the Warrego Highway near Mason Road when it collided with a white Toyota Landcruiser 4WD travelling in the same direction.

Jayson Halpin

As a result Mr Halpin, 50, who was a passenger in the Chrysler, suffered critical injuries and died at the scene of the crash.

The LifeFlight Rescue helicopter was called to the scene of the crash about 8pm and flew a second male passenger of the Chrysler, Nicholas McGuire, to Princess Alexandra Hospital with a head injury.

The driver of the Chrysler was treated at the scene for minor injuries before being taken to Dalby Hospital.

The driver and sole occupant of the Toyota, a 55-year-old Jondaryan man, sustained serious injuries.

On social media tributes flowed for Mr Halpin in the hours after the crash, describing him as a “gentleman” and “genuine bloke.

“You will be forever remembered for your cheeky laugh and edgy singing voice you were always smiling, and loved a good time,” friend Emily Woods posted.

“Thoughts and love for the Halpin family at this horrible time.”

On Facebook Clint Morris said Mr Halpin was “a great bloke” who was “never seen … without a smile”.

“One of the most respected humans I’ve ever known, and amazing horseman. I just can’t believe what I got told this morning,” posted Mitchell Fry.

One man is feared dead and others have been left injured following a horror crash on the Warrego Highway. Picture: RACQ LifeFlight Rescue

The National Rodeo Association chairman Jason Hall said Mr Halpin was a kind-hearted bloke and skilled horseman.

“Jayson was a good bull ride and bareback rider who qualified for national finals on a few occasions for bareback riding,” he said

“He was a really good person and helped a lot of competitors get started.”

This attitude extended beyond the rodeo ring.

“He would help out anyone who was in trouble,” Mr Hall said.

Jayson Halpin.

The crash has rocked the rodeo community as it also left talented rider Nick McGuire with critical injuries.

Though is now retired from competition, Mr Hall said he was one of the greats.

“Nick was one of the best bareback riders we had in the country,” he said.

“He won two or three national titles with us.”

Mr McGuire won the NRA’s Rookie of the Year title in 1991 and the National Bareback Riding Championships in 2001 and 2002.

“Nick is also a really nice guy,” Mr Hall said.

“He would do anything for you.”

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating and are appealing to anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage of the area around the time of the incident to come forward.

Additionally, investigators are appealing for anyone who may have seen the black Chrysler travelling along the highway before the incident to come forward.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Originally published as Jayson Halpin: Warrego Highway crash victim remembered after fatal crash west of Toowoomba at Bowenville