Michael Warburton remembered after horrific hit and run at Wynnum West
The daughter of the man killed in a hit and run on Brisbane’s bayside has paid an emotional tribute to the Penrith Panthers fan, as a fundraiser exceeds $5000 in an hour.
Southeast
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His beloved Penrith Panthers had just made another NRL grand final but sadly the man killed in a horrific hit and run on Brisbane’s bayside will not get the chance to watch his favourite team compete for another premiership.
Hemmant man Michael Warburton was riding his Vespa motor scooter home from a social event Monday morning, when police will allege a 15-year-old Wynnum teen driving a stolen car crossed to the wrong side of the road and mowed him down in Wynnum West.
The boy, 15, and a girl, 16, allegedly ran from the car, leaving the man on the ground with critical injuries.
The 59-year-old father-of-three was rushed to the Princess Alexandra Hospital but died late Monday night from his injuries.
Mr Warburton’s daughter, Jessica, gave an emotional tribute, saying her father was “the greatest”.
“He was the most loving son and husband, the greatest father and will forever be a Penrith Panthers fan.
“He always had this infectious smile and arms wide open for a hug.
He would have a coffee and a chat with anyone if they were willing.
“His parents, wife, kids and friends will miss him dearly.”
His daughter’s words come after a GoFundMe page was started by a friend of the Warburton family to help them with funeral costs.
“He was just a rare gem of a bloke who was always there to help anyone in the community,” friend, Maree Lowery, posted on the page.
“So, now I am asking for that community to give back, if you can, to help Michael’s family with his funeral costs.
“Any amount, however small or large will be appreciated and helpful to the family.”
Almost $6000 of the $10,000 goal had been raised within two hours.
Other family and friends of Mr Warburton, including his brother Gary, were struggling to come to terms with the loss of a man, who was popular within the bayside community.
A day earlier, Mr Warburton had just changed his Facebook profile picture to a photo of the Panthers, a team he was a fanatic for.
He had also just celebrated his 33rd wedding anniversary with his wife, Anita, in August.
Mr Warburton’s brother, Gary, who lives in New South Wales, remembered the tragic moments he found out his younger sibling had passed away.
“At first I just heard he had been in a crash so I wasn’t overly concerned but then later dad called and said there was nothing they could do for Michael,” he said.
“Dad said he passed peacefully and that was God.
“I was then able to be at home with family and just share some stories about my brother, which helped.”
Gary said his brother was one of the best people you could ever meet.
“He was such an amazing dad, brother, son and friend to so many people,” he said.
“He was the funster, always making jokes, making other people laugh.
“If you were a friend of his, he considered you family.
“Him and Anita had just taken my mum and dad in, who isn’t well, and he was building a granny flat at their house for them. That’s the type of stuff he did.
“He should be able to celebrate turning 60 and his son is turning 21 in December, it’s going to be a really tough six months for everyone who knew Michael.”
Mr Warburton was also a former member of the Royal Australian Navy and worked at Kerrys Ingredients at Lytton.
But aside from his family and friends, Gary said there was nothing his brother loved more than the Penrith Panthers. He was even wearing a Panthers shirt at the time of the crash.
“He was at both of their winning grand finals in 2003 and last year, and we just spoke about how he would have to come down to Sydney to watch this one considering I went to Melbourne a few years ago when they lost,” he said
“I believe he was looking for tickets for the grand final.
“But this week I’ll be watching it, probably from home, and missing not being able to talk back and forth with him about the game, I’ll miss that.
“He’ll be watching from the best seat up there though.
“I was lucky and happy that we got to spend some time in Darwin together for an event about a month ago.”
Gary also said just a day after the crash, he didn’t hold any anger or ill-will towards the other people involved in the crash.
Close friend Cheryl Womack said Mr Warburton was a caring and loving husband, dad, son and friend to so many people.
“I remember Michael being such a beautiful soul, cheeky guy but most of all fun loving.
“Michael was the person who gave me the best advice ever to marry my husband, seven years later and I have Michael to thank.
“He was cheeky loveable and would help anyone that needed it. All he asked for was a hug from a friend.
“Michael would ride the Vespa around Wynnum and be noticed by the orange helmet. He worked locally … and was a very devoted and loving husband of 33 years.
“I’m so blessed to have been that friend and will never forget such a wonderful man that made such an impact on so many people, especially me.
“My heart is broken and heavy from not being able to see his smiling face again and get those hugs.”
Another friend said there was nothing Mr Warburton loved more than his family and friends.
“He was the kind of man that went out of his way to help anyone who needed it. He would give you the shirt of his back if it was needed,” Amee Bitschkat said.
“He was always willing to tell a joke and cheer you up off you were sad.
I will forever miss him walking in and saying hello cranky at me as we shared a laugh.
“You will forever be missed Michael and always loved.”
Marta Giermanski said being in the presence of Mr Warburton immediately made your day better.
“I first met Michael during the good old bootcamp … we would be exhausted, the group sweaty and the thought of the last run around the block before home time would send my legs to jelly but Michael was always smiling.
“Through the pain, through the sweat, he would always find the perfect moment, to share something funny and cheerful with the group, that would put a smile on my face.
“Over the years Michael got to know my little boy, who I brought along to PT sessions and Michael showed him love and care, always giving him a high five, sharing a joke.
“He would always make him laugh and help to make him feel comfortable.
“Seeing and chatting to Michael who would pop up around Wynnum over the years since, was always a treat.
“His presence brought joy, his face warm and kind, his soul cheeky and gentle. Being in the presence of Michael’s smile and person was always an instant mood lifter.
“The world will miss you Michael. You were truly an amazing human who made a difference to my dad, my son my whole family and so many people and we will cherish having met you, for our entire lifetime.”
The alleged driver of the car, 15, has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, unlawful use, burglary, fail to remain at scene of a crash and unlicensed driving.
The female passenger, 16, has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and unlawful use of motor vehicle.
A 15-year-old Wynnum West girl has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, wilful damage and two counts each of stealing and obstruct police.
A 15-year-old Alexandra Hills boy has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
They will appear before Brisbane Children’s Court.
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