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Haul-out driver Qhaleb Quinn, 21, of Silkwood remembered after fatal tractor accident at Mundoo

The heartbroken family of a young haul-out driver killed in a tractor accident has described how he was never on time but always there for them.

Sugar cane harvesting

He was never on time, but always there when you needed him most – that’s how family has remembered a young haul-out driver tragically killed in a tractor accident.

Qhaleb Quinn, 21, of Silkwood, suffered critical injuries after a single-vehicle crash at Mundoo, southwest of Innisfail on Monday morning.

One of six siblings, Qhaleb was known for his many sayings and being “the joker of the family”.

One of Qhaleb Quinn's favourite hobbies was to go on adventures around the region. Picture: Supplied.
One of Qhaleb Quinn's favourite hobbies was to go on adventures around the region. Picture: Supplied.

His older brotherConnor Quinn said Qhaleb would light up whatever room he walked into.

“His favourite saying was ‘that’s prime’ and if he was ever going out somewhere he was ‘going on a mish’,” Connor said.

“He was sort of a character, really relaxed, never had a worry in the world.

“He loved exploring, fishing, camping, anything outdoors. He absolutely adored his family.”

His older sister Sarah Wilson-Quinn said one of his favourite things to do was explore the area by visiting waterfalls.

Sarah said the six siblings, Ethan, Connor, Qhaleb, Samuel and Sienna were thick as thieves. But Qhaleb’s thoughtful nature didn’t stop with just family.

The siblings celebrating Qhaleb's 21st. Samuel, Qhaleb, Sarah, Sienna, Connor and Ethan in the front. Picture: Supplied
The siblings celebrating Qhaleb's 21st. Samuel, Qhaleb, Sarah, Sienna, Connor and Ethan in the front. Picture: Supplied

“You could call him at any time of the day and he was always up for a chat, always had something nice and funny to say,” Connor said.

“He loved his mates, treated them like extended family.”

His younger brother Samuel said his brother’s forgetful nature would always make him laugh.

“He was never on time with things,” Samuel said.

“I’d normally get a call about lunch time, ‘oi bruz can you get me some lunch’.

“So I’d always have to run some lunch out to him.

Qhaleb Quinn with his dog Ruby at a family Christmas. He adored Ruby. Picture: Supplied
Qhaleb Quinn with his dog Ruby at a family Christmas. He adored Ruby. Picture: Supplied

“He was never on time, he was never rushed. But he would always make time for us.”

Connor said his brother was working on his first season as a haul-out worker.

“He was only hauling out for four months,” he said.

“It was a new thing, he worked a few places, this was the first one he really stuck with and thought he could create a career out of.”

Tributes came pouring in from the sugar industry in the wake of Qhaleb’s death.

Qhaleb Quinn has been remembered as a loveable joker. Picture: Supplied
Qhaleb Quinn has been remembered as a loveable joker. Picture: Supplied

His parents Iain and Tracey Quinn said they knew their loving, loyal and beautiful son would have one message for everyone.

“Qhaleb would want everybody to be happy and just live life and go for your dreams,” Tracey said.

So much so, the family know he will see everyone “on the next mish”.

andreas.nicola@news.com.au

Originally published as Haul-out driver Qhaleb Quinn, 21, of Silkwood remembered after fatal tractor accident at Mundoo

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/cairns/haulout-driver-qhaleb-quinn-21-of-silkwood-remembered-after-fatal-tractor-accident-at-mundoo/news-story/5858027eeba61b4fcdcd36783291c593