Townsville AFL club mourns loss of young dad Dylan Wheeler killed in horror crash

A former Townsville AFL player has been identified as the victim of a horrific two-car crash west of Mackay.

A former Townsville AFL player has been identified as the victim of a horrific two-car crash west of Mackay.

Gulliver dad Dylan Wheeler, 28, was tragically killed in a crash along the Peak Downs Highway near Coppabella, 140km west of Mackay, about 6.10am on Wednesday.

Gulliver dad Dylan Wheeler, 28, was tragically killed in two car crash west of Mackay. Picture: Facebook

A trauma rescue helicopter team, paramedics and police were called to the scene, but Mr Wheeler — who had sustained critical injuries — was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The female driver of the other vehicle involved was not physically injured.

Police said early reports suggest the crash was caused by a rear-end end collision.

Tributes from family and friends on social media since his death remembered Mr Wheeler as “one of a kind.”

“Rest in peace champ I can’t believe that you are gone,” one person commented.

“An amazing young man that has been taken too soon. The thought of never sharing a laugh and a beer with you again has hit very hard,” said another.

The young dad was a former player with the Northern Beaches SUNS AFL Club.

The club released a statement on Facebook in the wake of his sudden passing on Wednesday.

“The club is sorry to inform everyone of the passing of former player Dylan Wheeler,” it said.

A 28-year-old Townsville man lost his life in a fatal crash at Coppabella on November 9, 2022. Picture: 7News Mackay

“Dylan sadly died this morning in a car accident outside of Mackay.

“Further details will be shared as they come to hand. If you need to talk to someone to help you through this, please talk to your coach or mates, we’re all there for each other.”

Police investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

The QPS is appealing for anyone with information to come forward, quoting reference number: QP2201929527

Originally published as Townsville AFL club mourns loss of young dad Dylan Wheeler killed in horror crash