Tributes for Alexandra Hills army recruit Liam Wolf

Tributes are pouring in for an 18-year-old army recruit from Queensland who died following a training incident in NSW’s Riverina region.

The Redlands Coast community of Alexandra Hills is in mourning following the tragic death of army recruit Liam Wolf.

The 18-year-old was training at the Kapooka army training centre in NSW Riverina on Good Friday when, police suspect, he fell off an underground ladder and hit his head.

He was rushed to hospital and died on Tuesday, Department of Defence has confirmed in a statement.

“Defence offers its deepest condolences to Liam’s family and friends and ongoing welfare support is being provided to them. Defence notes the commendable actions of those Army members and health staff involved in providing immediate first aid,” the statement said.

“He was transported to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, before being flown to Sydney for specialist treatment. Despite the best efforts of emergency services and hospital health care providers, Liam was pronounced dead on 23 April 2019.”

Liam Wolf (left) was training on Good Friday when he was rushed to hospital and died there yesterday. Pic. Facebook.

Tributes have been flowing from schoolmates and family on Facebook as the news of his passing spread.

Former Alexandra Hills State High School classmate Max Baumer said simply “I’m lost for words, Our friendship over these many years I will cherish forever, RIP Love you bro Liam Wolf.”

Emi Nicole recounted so many “funny memories from primary school as well as schoolies, you always had my back! You will be missed.”

A Go Fund Me page has been set up by a friend of the family to help with “the unexpected loss”

“This morning soldier Private Liam Wolf passed away,” the Go Fund Me page says.

“He has fought so hard over the last few days like a true soldier and wouldn’t give up.”

“Please help me raise money for his family in this very difficult and emotional time.”

“I never had the pleasure of meeting Liam but if he is anything like his mother a true gentle soul always helping others.”

Friend Priyanka Locke called on community to help the family.

“He was an amazing person, always happy and putting a smile on others,” Ms Locke said.

“Please … help Liam’s family with this unexpected loss.”

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Former soldier Councillor Paul Golle (Thornlands/Southern Cleveland) expressed great sadness at the “loss of Liam a proud Redlands digger”.

“My thoughts are with Liam’s family right now after receiving the tragic news and to Liam’s platoon who will also be dealing with the loss of a mate, a brother, and a trusted companion,” Cr Golle said.

“Liam was a soldier, a proud Redlander and he wanted to serve his country, enlisting like so many before him in the mindset of being part of the Anzac tradition, he gave his all paying the ultimate sacrifice.”

“This tragic loss of such a brave young Redlands man has resonated throughout our community and the defence community and our heartfelt condolences go to Liam’s mother.”

“Liam’s tragic passing will impact so many and on the eve of Anzac Day Liam will be remembered.”

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The Department of Defence statement confirmed Mr Wolf was “airlifted to a Sydney hospital for specialist treatment after he was injured on April 19 during basic training at the Army Recruit Training Centre in Kapooka, the Department of Defence said in a statement on Tuesday”.

The ADF offered its condolences to Mr Wolf’s family and friends and noted the “commendable” actions of the army members and health staff involved in giving him immediate first aid.

Kapooka is every full-time soldier’s first posting, where a compulsory 80-day camp covers “basic training”.

The army’s website explains: “The 80-day course is physically challenging and mentally demanding.

“The course is designed to allow the vast majority of recruits that commence training to progress through an ever increasing level of physical and mental challenges.”