‘Goofball’: Man struck by bus remembered by close friend following manslaughter charge

A pedestrian who was fatally struck by a Brisbane City Council bus last month was a “goofball” who had a “childlike innocence”, a close friend says.

North Lakes man Ryan Pemble has been remembered by friends and family after his death at North Lake in late June.

A pedestrian who was fatally struck by a Brisbane City Council bus last month was a “goofball” with a “childlike innocence”, a close friend says.

Ryan Pemble was struck by the bus about 11.30pm on June 28 near the intersection of Melbourne St and Cordelia St in South Brisbane.

The bus driver – a 59-year-old North Lakes man – was last week charged with manslaughter following extensive investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit.

Mr Pemble’s mother Vicki Pemble told The Courier-Mail her only son was on his “way home from catching up with friends” when the crash occurred.

“How on earth could this have happened?,” she said.

Close friend Taylor Smith said the world was a “darker place” following Ryan’s death.

“(Ryan) was a sweetheart, a goofball and a kind – deeply kind soul,” he said.

North Lakes man Ryan Pemble died at South Brisbane.

“Even in his 40s he had a childlike innocence and enthusiasm.

“He wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable and give a heartfelt compliment on a whim”.

“He truly believed the world could be changed by love.”

Mr Smith said the world was a “darker place” following the death of Mr Pemble.

The bus driver – Carl James Van Der Wiel – faced Brisbane Magistrates Court last Friday where his barrister Joshua Jones, instructed by Gilshenan and Luton, applied for bail which was not opposed by police.

Mr Jones said that since the incident, his client had engaged lawyers who had been liaising with police through the investigation.

“He’s worked for Brisbane City Council for five years. Prior to that he was a registered nurse,” he said.

Van Der Wiel was stood down by the council in the aftermath of the crash, the court heard.

Magistrate Julian Noud said Van Der Wiel had no criminal history and largely no traffic history.

The intersection where Ryan Pemble died on June 28. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I consider that any risk of the defendant failing to appear does not loom large in the circumstances of this case, given the defendant’s family reside here,” he said.

Van Der Wiel was granted bail with a residential condition and the case was adjourned to August 26.

Rail, Tram, and Bus Union Queensland bus division secretary Tom Brown said they were “taken aback” by the charge.

While a Brisbane City Council spokesman said they council worked “closely” with police during the investigation.

“This charge will come as a real shock to many Brisbane residents and our heart goes out to the man’s family and friends,” the spokesman said.

“Council has worked closely with the Queensland Police Service and will continue to provide whatever assistance is required.

“Given this matter is now before the courts, Council is unable to comment further.”

Carl James Van Der Wiel was granted bail and is expected to appear in court on August 26. Picture, John Gass

The North Lakes bus driver worked with the council for about four-and-a-half years.

He was stood down immediately after the incident.

The charges come after council commissioned an independent review into bus driver safety following a spate of incidents.

The review recommended changes to the health assessment framework for Queensland bus drivers aged over 60 years old.

The latest incident follows the death of 18-year-old Tia Cameron after a bus mounted the footpath on Edward St in the city.

Bus driver Lindsay Frances Selby, 70, has been charged with one count of driving without due care and attention causing death. He is on bail and no plea has been entered.

The case will be next mentioned in September.