Former road train driver killed in Mareeba crash hailed a hero

The man killed on the road in Mareeba on Friday went above and beyond to keep other motorists out of harm’s way after suffering a fatal heart attack behind the wheel.

THE man killed on the road in Mareeba on Friday went above and beyond to keep other motorists out of harm’s way after suffering a fatal heart attack behind the wheel.

Former long-haul truck driver Roderick Hinks was found unconscious in the cab of his Ford ranger dual cab utility at the corner of Herberton and Walsh streets after clipping a road sign on Friday afternoon.

Roderick Hinks died in a single-vehicle traffic incident at the corner of Herberton and Walsh streets in Mareeba on May 20.

Off-duty nurse Howard Jones provided first aid at the scene and Mr Hinks was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but died a short time later.

Nephew Brett Hinks said his uncle had a pre-existing heart condition but had the awareness to know the warning signs and to get his vehicle off the road.

“He would have started having a major heart attack and he had realised that and taken the sign out to get off the road,” he said.

The former owner of NT Car Carrying spent a lifetime on the road hauling his road train between Darwin and Adelaide before relocating from the Northern Territory to Mareeba about 12-years ago.

“He was a long time truck driver and a very good one, he was a good operator,” he said.

“He would push himself to get stuff done and to make sure he got across the line.

“And he was pushing to get stuff done that afternoon. But it was too much for him and this is what ended up happening.”

The late Roderick Hinks has been remembered as a “good honest old school bloke.”

Mr Hinks said his uncle enjoyed being on the water and fishing and was not shy about making his thoughts clear to all that knew him.

“He was a straight shooter, he called a spade he didn’t speak no bullsh*t,” he said.

“He was a real sort of country person, he was definitely a straight shooter and a good honest old school bloke.”

The former road train driver is survived by his partner Jude and son Brett.

Anyone who witnessed the incident at about 4pm on Friday are encouraged to contact Policelink or Crimestoppers.

Queensland Police Service stated a report will be prepared for the coroner.

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Originally published as Former road train driver killed in Mareeba crash hailed a hero