‘Unmeasurable loss’: Tributes flow for young Bluewater dad Tyson Mackenzie killed in crash

Heartbroken friends and family of a father-of-three who was killed in a horrific two-vehicle collision in Townsville’s north are pleading for public help to bring him home.

The crash scene on the Bruce Highway at Deeragun. Picture: Bethany Westwood

Heartbroken friends and family of a father-of-three who was killed in a horrific two-vehicle collision in Townsville’s north are pleading for public help to bring him home.

Tyson Mackenzie, 27, was killed after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a Hyundai i30 at the intersection of Bruce Hwy and Veales Rd in Deeragun about 4.30pm on Sunday.

Though originally from Taree in New South Wales, Mackenzie had been making a life for himself in Bluewater, north of Townsville.

Now, his heartbroken loved ones are asking for your help to bring him back home to NSW, where he will be laid to rest and have launched a GoFundMe campaign.

“Everyone who met Tyson struggled to forget — he was a larger than life, witty, charming man with a heart of solid gold,” organiser Ashleigh King said.

Tyson Mackenzie, 27, died in a two-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway in Deeragun on Sunday. Picture: Facebook

“He would do anything for the people he cared for.

“Whenever Tyson did anything, he did it without hesitation and he gave his love in the same way.

“He had so much to give and so much to receive, the people who did will love him for eternity. Anyone loved by Tyson would forever love him no matter what.

“And no matter how hard or bad things got, he would stay strong for his babies.

“They were the reason he breathed.”

Tyson Mackenzie, 27, died in a two-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway in Deeragun on October 8, 2023. Picture: GoFundMe

Good Samaritans at the scene of the crash, including an off-duty nurse and doctor, leapt into action, rushing to administer CPR on Mr Mackenzie who was critically injured.

Despite their heroic efforts, he was sadly declared dead at the scene.

David Cole, Queensland Ambulance Service clinical support officer, lauded the quick-thinking bystanders, saying: “I would like to thank and comment on the excellent first aid and CPR the bystanders have performed today. It’s an outstanding job by human beings who didn’t expect to see that today.”

While Mr Mackenzie tragically lost his life, the driver of the Hyundai, a 32-year-old woman, miraculously escaped physical harm.

If anyone has any information related to the incident, they are urged to contact police.

You can help here: https://gofund.me/f2edabea

Originally published as ‘Unmeasurable loss’: Tributes flow for young Bluewater dad Tyson Mackenzie killed in crash