Matt Laurich: Tributes flow for Mundoolun crash victim

Tamborine Mountain man Matt Laurich who tragically died in a crash at the weekend will be remembered for his happy go lucky attitude, big smile, giant heart, and love of rock music.

Mundoolun fatal crash victim Matt Laurich is being remembered as a fun loving man, larger than life.

Tamborine Mountain man Matt Laurich will be remembered for his happy go lucky attitude, big smile, giant heart, and love of rock music – after tragically passing away in a one vehicle crash on Mundoolun Connection Rd over the weekend.

Around 11.30pm on Saturday August 21, Matt was killed and his 28-year-old girlfriend, from Tamborine, was flown to hospital with serious injuries.

Police said Matt, 31-years-old, crashed into a tree on Mundoolun Connection Rd north of Bambling Rd.

Witnesses to the crash attempted to help, but he died at the scene. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating and have urged anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

Matt worked as a mechanic, had a passion for Aussie rock music, was known for his loving nature, and grew up at Tamborine Mountain. His father Anton Laurich runs Big Drip Spring Water, on Tamborine Mountain.

Mr Laurich said him and his wife, Kirsty Laurich, were absolutely devastated by the loss.

“Matt is the type of person who had the knack of connecting with 4 year olds, 80 year olds and everyone in-between,” Mr Laurich said.

“He got on with everyone and everyone loved him. He had a heart the size of an elephant, and he’d do anything for anyone, anytime.

“We are so proud of him and love him unconditionally.”

Matt and his father shared a love for doing up cars.

“He loved cars, music, drawing, and helping people,” Mr Laurich said.

“Working on cars was kind of our father son thing. The yard is filled with them.

“I will finish the cars that we started in his memory.”

A Go Fund Me page has been set up in memory of Matt Laurich. Picture: contributed.

Mr Laurich said Matt was most recently working for a company that upgraded cars.

“It was so people with a disability or who were in wheelchairs could drive again,” he said.

“He said he loved it and loved seeing the looks on their faces when they realised they really could drive again.”

Mr Laurich said the last six weeks in the lead up to the accident were the happiest he’d ever seen his son.

“He was absolutely smitten with his new girlfriend Sophie,” he said.

Matt Laurich will be remembered for his ability to connect with anyone. Photo: contributed.

“They’d only been together six weeks but I’ve never seen him so happy.

“Sophie’s parents told us she was just as happy.”

Mr Laurich said Matt was also very close with his sister Anne, and said they loved each other very much.

“Our entire family is absolutely gutted,” he said.

“Matt was one in a million and we’ll never forget him.”

One of Matt’s closest friends from high school in Tamborine Mountain, James Walker, has set up a Go Fund Me page for the family.

“Saying that Matt’s larger than life personality touched everyone around him is an understatement,” Mr Walker said.

Matt Laurich and James Walker had been friends for 17 years. Photo: contributed.

“He was the first to offer a hand no matter what time of the day or night, often putting his own life on hold to help out.

“There was never a moment that Matt didn’t bring happiness, sometimes awkwardness, smiles and more laughter than you could count.

“No matter how down and out you were, he’d always find a way to help.

“Matt’s family and friends were always put first. His giant heart was the only thing bigger than his personality.

“To an amazing son, a caring brother, a loving partner and the most incredible mate. We will always love you and we will miss you dearly.”

When Matt wasn’t working as a mechanic, he would often perform with Gold Coast rock band Runes Band.

Matt Laurich was well known for his Aussie rock voice. Photo: contributed.

One of his father’s close friends (who is also in a band) Warren Lucas said Matt was such a talent.

“He just had this perfect screechy voice for rock music,” Mr Lucas said.

“Think ACDC or Jimmy Barnes.

“He was more than just a singer though, he was a real performer. The room would just light up when he was on stage.

“He was just so full of life and was always so kind to everyone…a real champion young fella.

“I always called him kid because he was this real youthful happy go lucky guy.”

Runes Band also shared their condolences.

“Matt, we love you mate and keep rocking.”