Warren man Martin ‘Marty’ Conrads remembered after fatal crash

A young man killed after his car hit a tree in the state’s west has been remembered as one of the most ‘genuine blokes you could ever meet’ who loved his utes and a cheeky bottle of rum.

The devastated friends of a 19-year-old Warren man whose life was tragically cut short after a fatal crash have remembered him as a passionate ute lover and devoted mate who loved to make others laugh.

Martin ‘Marty’ Conrads died after his beloved Holden Commodore ute left the Baradine Road near Coonabarabran and crashed into a tree in the early hours of April 11.

Warren teen Marty Conrads was a much loved mate to many. Picture: Facebook/Kim Tuckey

Hundreds of Marty’s mates from across Australia took to social media to express their shock and sadness after hearing of his death.

Dean Purton told The Dubbo News Marty had a passion for building specially modified utes which would be showed off at Bachelor and Spinsters (B & S) Balls.

“It was only a few days ago he was messaging me about building another ute so we could shine together,” Mr Purton sad.

“He absolutely loved his Emu Export and a cheeky bottle of rum here and there. He was very well known and loved through the B & S community all over Australia.

“He was probably one of the most genuine, kind-hearted young blokes you could ever meet.”

Gone way too soon, rest in peace @martythemadcun_t till we meet again

Posted by Aussie BNS Utes on Sunday, April 11, 2021

To share his passion for utes and connect ute loves from across the country, Marty co-founded a popular Utes United Australia Facebook group, Mr Purton said.

“If anyone needed a bullbar or any sort of part I can almost guarantee Marty was in detective mode just to find the right part for them.

“He would give you the boots off his feet if someone needed them more than he did … he was constantly checking on his mates to make sure everyone was okay and if there was anything he could do to help them out.

“He made many videos to put on his social media platform to make people laugh. I’m gonna miss the little fella, he definitely left his mark on everyone that knew him.”

Marty Conrads loved a laugh. Picture: Facebook/Martin Conrads

Marty’s workmates at Menzies Pumps and Irrigation echoed the sentiments expressed by Mr Purton.

“Martin was a valued member of our team and he will be greatly missed,” a heartfelt message on the business’s Facebook page said.

“Martin made such a difference to our workshop in the short time he spent here. We were looking forward to the many years to come.”

In a message posted to Marty, Kim Tuckey wrote: “you were taken too young, I’m not sure anyone will ever understand why you were taken”.

“Life is so unfair and cruel,” she said.

The team at Menzies Pumps & Irrigation would like to wish Martin Conrads family our deepest condolences. Martin was a...

Posted by Menzies Pumps & Irrigation on Sunday, April 11, 2021

Tianna Stables said her heart was broken and life would be “very bland” without Marty in it.

“You were my biggest laughs on my worst days … someone I could talk to no matter what,” she posted.

“All I hope is that there’s a slab of Bundy already prepared for you up there.”

To help Martin’s grieving family and cover the cost of his funeral, Martin’s cousin Carina Pike has set up a GoFundMe page people can make donations through.

“Martin was a very live life to the fullest person, loved by many and would be the first person to help if anyone was in need for any reason,” Ms Pike wrote on the page.