Man dies after Mitchelton Football Club scaffolding collapse

A witness has recalled the moment scaffolding collapsed and crushed a Brisbane dad to death in front of shocked junior football players and spectators.

Police investigate the scaffolding collapse that killed a Bridgeman Downs father on Sunday. Picture: Richard Walker

Football Queensland is offering support to those who witnessed the tragic death of a 37-year-old man in a scaffolding collapse at Mitchelton Football Club on Sunday.

Families and children were present when about 11.25am scaffolding used by camera operators collapsed on Andy Jones, of Bridgeman Downs in Brisbane’s north, leaving him with serious head and chest injuries.

He was rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition about 1.15pm but pronounced dead soon after arrival.

One witness has told The Courier-Mail of the moment the scaffolding fell on top of the man, who was understood to have been at the match to watch his son compete in an under 15s local game.

“It was very windy, it was about 12.15,” the witness said.

“Mitchie (Mitchelton) weren’t playing well and the wind was horrific. I turned to (the man who passed away) who was about a metre and a half or maybe two metres from me and said to him: ‘they’re not playing well, I don’t think they’re handling the wind too well’ …

The scaffolding collapse that killed a 37-year-old Bridgeman Downs father. Picture: Richard Walker

“He agreed, then I turned back around … Next minute I heard this almighty bloody bang. And it (the scaffold structure) came over, and he was there.”

The witness said three men immediately jumped onto the field to pull the structure off from on top of the man, who survived the initial impact.

“(He) kind of staggered out and collapsed on the ground.

“(The scaffolding) came over and went ‘bang’ and pinned him between the fence and the structure.”

The witness said one of the mothers at the game was a nurse, who immediately commenced CPR on the man as his teenage son and his son’s teammates stood just metres away.

“We knew he was in trouble,” the witness said.

“The players didn’t sort of realise the seriousness of it because they were in the middle of the field … They stopped the game immediately, and had to abandon the game.”

The witness commended the match officials for their calm composure.

“There was a bit of confusion obviously … but to the credit of the referee and the linesmen, they’re only kids too – 16 or 17 – but one of the linesmen had his flag waving down the ambulance.”

Police are investigating the cause of the fatal scaffolding collapse at Mitchelton Football Club. Picture: Richard Walker

Football Queensland issued a statement on Monday morning following news of the death.

“Football Queensland is aware of the sad passing of a member of our football community following a serious accident at Mitchelton FC, Teralba Park on Sunday, 25 July 2021,” it said.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, members of the club and football community who were present and who, like all of us, will be devastated by this news.

“Counselling and support services will continue to be provided by Football Queensland to the club members, players, those who witnessed the accident and family of the individual involved.”

A statement from the football club where the incident unfolded said many people witnessed the scaffolding structure crush the man.

“Many members of our community were present including players, officials, spectators and families,” the Mitchelton Football Club statement said.

“All directly and indirectly involved need our support during this time and we ask that this starts by respecting their privacy.”

The club was yesterday closed and all football activities were cancelled as a police investigation gets underway.

The man suffered serious head and chest injuries in the scaffolding collapse. Picture: 7 News

Mitchelton Football Club this morning released a further statement on the incident, confirming the man – a father- was a member of the football community.

The statement said all members who witnessed the incident or who are impacted in any way were being offered support.

“Our condolences go out to his children, family and friends and we ask you to respect their privacy at this time,” the statement said.

“We will be keeping all our members fully informed as we work with Football Queensland and relevant authorities.”

Out of respect for the man, his family and the greater football community, Mitchelton Football Club has suspended all football related activities until Wednesday, July 28.

“Training will not proceed on either Monday or Tuesday. This will provide the Club and members time to process the events of Sunday afternoon and out of respect for the members involved. We ask that everyone respect the decision and also the privacy of players, coaches, friends and family impacted by the incident.