Miles CRC electrician Joshua Patrick O’Kelly remembered after Glenlyon Dam fishing death

A young electrician who died while on a fishing trip with a mate has been remembered as an all-round ‘great guy’.

Joshua Patrick O'Kelly. Picture – Facebook/CRC Electrical.

The 26-year-old man killed while on a fishing trip at Glenlyon Dam over Easter has been identified as electrician Joshua Patrick O’Kelly.

Originally from north Brisbane, Mr O’Kelly was fishing with a 21-year-old friend on Sunday, April 2, 2023 when tragedy struck.

A search and rescue was launched at Glenlyon Dam near the Queensland-NSW border after Mr O’Kelly fell from a boat and vanished about 5.30pm.

The search recommenced at first light on Monday morning, including a dive squad, local officers from Stanthorpe and Texas, water police and SES.

His body was uncovered late Monday morning, April 3, at Glenlyon Dam.

Investigations are underway into the circumstances leading up to the incident.

Joshua Patrick O'Kelly. Picture – Facebook/CRC Electrical.

According to an obituary in his honour, Mr O’Kelly was the adored son of Debbie and Shaun O’Kelly, a brother to Deanna and Stephanie, partner to Siobhaun, and ‘a friend to many’.

Family and friends have been invited to attend a celebration of his life at The Victory Centre, in Bridgeman Downs Friday, April 21.

CRC Electrical, based in Condamine which is a 20-minute drive from Miles, released a statement on Facebook sharing their devastation.

“With great sadness we like to advise of the loss of one of our own Josh O’Kelly,” they said.

“Josh was an exceptional tradesman and great guy, respected and liked by all who knew him.

“The CRC Team have organised a bus to travel down and back to the service leaving Miles at 5am and departing Brisbane approximately 4pm.”

A CRC worker said it was great loss to the CRC family.

Miles locals have also shared tributes to their mate following the tragedy.

“Such a sad day when we were told of the news, devastating loss to his family and his work family of CRC,” Jeannie Bouttell said.

“Josh was an outstanding electrician and more so a great human and a real credit to his family.

“He was always such a genuine man … funny saying that now since knowing him as the awkward teenager and so very shy.

“Much love and deepest condolences to his parents and his siblings.”

John Walker shared his condolences too.

“I’m shocked and sad to hear about Josh,” he said.

“Spent a lot of time working with him, great young fellow and one of the best.”

Alex Mckellar sent his deepest condolences to the O’Kelly family.

“My heart aches for you during this time. I cannot imagine the pain from the loss of a son, a brother and all around exceptional man … but know that you are in my prayers,” he said.

“I had the pleasure of working with Josh for quite a lot of years and seeing him grow into the exceptional man and tradesman he became is something you should be very proud of.

“Josh had the world at his feet and was destined for great things in life.”