Riverina Redneck Rally: Milan Jukic killed in Tamworth crash raising funds for children with cancer
Sydney man Milan “Mick” Jukic killed in a Riverina rally when his car hit a tree has been remembered as ‘the best father, son and husband’ who would drop everything to help.
The Wagga News
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The grieving family of a Sydney man who died taking part in a rally to raise money for children’s cancer for the first time has described him as “the most kind-hearted” man and “a true gentleman”.
Milan Jukic, who would have turned 50 next month, was a passenger in a car when it rolled over about 80km northwest of Tamworth last Thursday.
Emergency services attended the crash on Banoon Road, Borah Creek, just after 1pm but the South Hurstville man died at the scene.
Police believe the car, a Volkswagen hatchback, rolled multiple times before crashing into a tree.
The driver, a 44-year-old man, was taken to Tamworth Hospital to treat multiple fractures.
The Sydneysiders were participating in this year’s Riverina Redneck Rally to raise funds for Country Hope, which helps rural children with cancer and other chronic, life-threatening illnesses.
The crash happened less than a week after 20-year-old Ella Painting from Coleambally was killed when her car hit a tree west of Wagga.
Linda Jukic said her late husband, who was also known as Mick, was loved by everyone.
“He’s the type of person who’d help everyone out and never expect anything in return,” Mrs Jukic said.
“People at the rally said that while they hadn’t known him for long, he was so easy going and always had a smile.
“He’d put everyone at ease and treat everyone equally.”
Mrs Jukic said his efforts to help charities targeting cancer was close to his heart after a family member died at only 17 from cancer in 2014.
“He rang me when they reached Lightning Ridge and said he was glad he was doing it because the people around him were amazing,” she said.
“He also said, ‘Linda, I’m having a great time but I don’t think you’d like it’.
Mr Jukic was a builder and loved his cars and motorsport, attending the annual Summernats and Bathurst 1000.
She said he had always been the rock in the family.
“My brother passed away 15 years ago and he stepped in to organise the funeral. When my nephew passed away, he stepped in again. He took charge and helped everyone out,” she said.
“The kids have been blessed. Even though he worked hard, he still had time for them.”
Mr Jukic’s youngest daughter, Krystal, told The Wagga News her father “was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and mentor to many”.
“He was a true gentleman to everyone he met,” she said.
“He was the most kind hearted and nurturing soul; he would go to extreme lengths to make sure everyone was okay even if it meant putting himself last.”
The 20-year-old said her father had many interests, including basketball and construction, but his main focus was his family.
“He’ll be loved and missed by everyone,” Krystal said.
Since it began 2017, the annual Riverina Redneck Rally has raised more than $1.1 million with about $460,000 raised this year alone.
This year it ran from March 1 to 6 from West Wyalong to Nelson Bay.
Rally director Gavin Gilbert last week said the incident was a “tragic, freak accident that should not have happened”.
“The families and close friends, including the new-found friends on the rally are still in a state of disbelief and shock,” he said.
In a statement, the Riverina Redneck Rally said: “All that we can do for now is send out thoughts and love to the grieving families and friends involved.”
The statement also said the incident happened while the pair was exiting a bend.
Country Hope’s general manager Ellie Webb said the news was “truly very tragic”.
“Everyone on the rally is extremely distraught at this loss,” Ms Webb said.
“Country Hope would like to extend our condolences to the family and everyone involved.”
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, four children (Nicholas, Anne-Marie, Anthony and Krystal) and one granddaughter (Layla).
Funeral arrangements for Mr Jukic are yet to be finalised.