Strathpine father of two Richard Symes crushed while working on a car

Tributes are flowing for a beloved single dad who died after being crushed underneath a car he was working on yesterday north of Brisbane, with his brother calling it a ‘tragic accident’.

Tributes are flowing for a beloved single dad who died after being crushed underneath a car he was working on yesterday north of Brisbane, with his brother calling it a ‘tragic accident’.

Richard Symes, 40, died on Wednesday February 23 about 1.45pm when he was crushed by a car at his home.

Police received a call at 1.45pm and attended the scene to find the father of two had already died.

Richard Symes, 40 years old and living at Strathpine, died on Wednesday February 23 around 1.45pm when he was crushed by a car at his home. Photo: Facebook.

A coroners report is being prepared and the forensic crash unit is still investigating, however police believe it was a ‘tragic accident’.

James Symes said his brother Richard, affectionately known by his loved ones as ‘Symesy’, was a real car enthusiast.

“He loved tinkering with his cars it was something he was really into,” his brother said.

“It was just such a tragic accident we still have no idea what happened. He had it up on a ramp and everything. His neighbour was the first on the scene.”

The Symes family grew up in Bracken Ridge, and Richard had been living in Strathpine for about five years.

His brother said Richard will be remembered for his ‘larger than life’ personality and for being ‘the best dad’.

“If you knew him you knew how much he adores his boys. They’re his whole world,” he said.

“He was brilliant at everything he did, so full of love and life, and he had a huge social group and lots of friends.”

Richard Symes has previously worked as a driller in the mines, and has previously played at club level for the Brighton Roosters and the Stamford Stags.

Richard Symes was crushed by a car at his home. Photo: Facebook.

His brother said he was going to miss him dearly.

“He was the best brother and such an involved dad,” he said.

“Someone everyone always looked up to.

“He never said a bad word about anyone and he loved his friends like his own family.”

Loved ones have taken to Facebook to share their tributes for the beloved family man.

“You will be so very missed big man,” Roxy Osborn said.

“Absolutely heartbreaking.”

Nikki Thistleton said she grew up with Richard and that he was like family to her.

“Symesy we are gunna miss you forever,” she said.

“You loved your boys and loved your friends fiercely. I was never in doubt of your big heart and character and my heart is broken.

“Family forever. Rest in peace mate.”

Shelley Bridgens said her boys were going to miss their uncle Symes.

“I’m going to miss you so much this is unfair,” she said.

“You’re such a good dad. You can’t go they need you...I promise to help look after the boys.”

Leah Marriott said her heart was broken.

“He was the nicest bloke I have ever met, we had so many amazing times together,” she said.

Richard Symes, 40 years old and living at Strathpine, died on Wednesday February 23 around 1.45pm when he was crushed by a car at his home. Photo: Facebook.

Shelley Bridgens said her boys were going to miss their uncle Symes.

“I’m going to miss you so much this is unfair,” she said.

“You’re such a good dad. You can’t go they need you...I promise to help look after the boys.”

Leah Marriott said her heart was broken.

“He was the nicest bloke I have ever met, we had so many amazing times together,” she said.

Robby Mounfield said he also grew up with Richard.

“Such a tragic loss, utterly devastating,” he said.

“Rest in peace mate.

“You were one of the good ones.”