COMMUNITY MOURNS: His smile 'would light up a room'

"HE WAS one of those great blokes, can't say anything bad about him... ask anyone and they'd say the same thing."

Tim Watkins was killed in a hit and run incident on Wilsons Creek Road, Wilsons Creek, about 9km south-west of Mullumbimby. Picture: Contributed

UPDATE, 3.50pm: A FUNDRAISING campaign for the family of Tim Watkins has hit $25,000.

The 22-year-old was killed in a hit-and-run incident over the weekend, and his death has shocked the Mullumbimby community.

People have left heartfelt tributes to Tim on the GoFundMe site.

Warren Peppin: "This family is part of our community."

Jennifer: "I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Timmy passing... too many of our young don't survive these roads. I feel for you and with you, with such a heavy heart. All my love from the Healey household."

Lynne Castellano: "Tim will be missed by all us. Pound for pound he had a bigger heart than most people."

UPDATE: The mourning Mullumimby community has dug deep into its pockets to donate money to the family of 22-year-old Tim Watkins, who was killed in a hit and run incident over the weekend.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up Kayla Brooke to help out the Watkins family during this difficult time as they prepare to say farewell to their beloved son and brother.

In less than five hours since the Go Fund Me campaign was launched, the community has raised more than $7500.

"Yesterday our community lost a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a friend, a larrikin and a smile that would light up a room," Ms Brooke wrote online.

"We have set this page up for anyone who may like to contribute to the Watkins Family during this devastating time."
The fundraising goal for the campaign is set at $20,000.

Go here to donate.

Original story: THE Mullumbimby community is grieving the death of one of its own, after 22-year-old Tim Watkins was found dead on the side of the road in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police are appealing for information after Mr Watkins' body was found by a passing motorist about 1am on Sunday on Wilsons Creek Road, Wilsons Creek, about 9km south-west of Mullumbimby.

A push-bike was also found near the body.

Tweed Byron Police District officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics attended, but Mr Watkins was declared deceased at the scene.

Mr Watkins was heavily involved in both Mullumbimby rugby union and league clubs.

Mullumbimby Giants chairman Dan Molenaar said all games in Mullumbimby were suspended yesterday in honour of Mr Watkins, who had played for the club most of his life and started off as a junior player.

"He was such a massive part of our club, he was an A-grade player and good mates with all the reserves," Mr Molenaar said.

"He was a big part of the club, the whole family is. His mum is on the committee, dad runs the water, brothers play for the club."

Mr Molenaar said both the Giants club members and Mullumbimby Moonshiners Rugby Club members gathered at the Giants clubhouse last night to celebrate the life of Mr Watkins.

"We all got together yesterday," he said.

"All his family came, all the Giants, he was a bit part of the Moonshiners, they were all out there as well

"It's obviously very sad, nice for everyone to come out, he was much loved by other parts of the community."

Mr Molenaar reminisced fondly on just how much of a role Mr Watkins played in the club, and how much the community will miss him.

"He was a tiny little bloke but one of those tough little buggers who plays above his weight range," he said.

"He played hooker this year, in A-grade, and always gave his all.

"He was one of those great blokes, can't say anything bad about him.

"It's very cliché to say but ask anyone and they'd say the same thing."

Other club games across the Far North Coast competition held a minutes silence for Mr Watkins yesterday before play.

A report is being prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Police are urging anyone who may have information or dashcam footage in relation to this incident to contact Byron Bay Police Station on [phone] Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.