Fourth-generation Pittsworth man Craig Cattell died in floodwater

A Darling Downs commuity is in mourning after a man was killed just weeks before he was due to get married.

Police on Pittsworth-Clifton Road where a man lost his life in flood waters at North Branch on Monday, March 28. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The close-knit Pittsworth community is in mourning after born-and-bred Craig Cattell died in floodwater, just weeks out from his wedding.

Mr Cattell, 47, was travelling along Stirling Road when he was caught in the flooded Spring Creek about 4.20am on Monday.

He exited his car and attempted to walk to dry land but was tragically swept away.

Police launched a large search and rescue operation but were unable to locate Mr Cattell until about 9am yesterday morning.

Sadly, the Pittsworth man had returned home to finalise plans for his wedding.

“Today a mother and father have lost their son, their children lost a brother and a woman is grieving the loss of her partner who she hoped to spend the rest of her life with,” Pittsworth Police Station officer-in-charge Sergeant Tim Hoffmann said.

“It cannot be overstated, if it is flooded, forget it.”

Sergeant Tim Hoffmann OIC Pittsworth Police said a local family is in mourning after a man died in floodwater at Northh Branch. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Initial reports indicate two vehicles were trapped in the flood water. A woman in the first vehicle was helped to safety by members of the public but they could not save Mr Cattell.

The search effort included multiple Queensland Fire and Emergency Services swift water rescue technicians, dozens of police and a LifeFlight rescue chopper crew.

They scoured waterlogged paddocks through the day before suspending the search at nightfall. Sgt Hoffmann urged motorists to take more responsibility.

“It is hard for all emergency services involved,” he said.

“We have spent the past day and a half doing an extensive land and water search, liaising with family and finding the deceased. But that is nothing compared to what the family is going through.”

While Mr Cattell would have been familiar with the area, Sgt Hoffmann said flooding brought unknown dangers.

“The water does move quickly, what you are standing in one area might be quicker in another,” he said.

“The family is very distraught, it has a tragic impact on them and it is something they never thought would happen to them.”

Mr Cattell’s death comes after a New South Wales man died when his vehicle was washed away at Kingsthorpe early Monday morning.

“I don’t know why the message is not getting through,” Sgt Hoffmann said.

“Events like this really bring it home for use as emergency responders and it should bring home the same message to everyone at home.”

Originally published as Fourth-generation Pittsworth man Craig Cattell died in floodwater