‘Going to be missed’: Shock loss of Mareeba stalwart rattles town

Property developer Sam Musumeci has been remembered as an “absolute gentleman” and his death, three weeks after a highway crash, labelled a “huge loss” for Mareeba. YOUR TRIBUTES

TRIBUTES are pouring in from the Mareeba community for property developer Sam Musumeci following his death three weeks after a crash on the Kennedy Highway.

Mareeba businessman Sam Musumeci died in Cairns Hospital after a car crash on the Kennedy Highway.

Hundreds of shocked residents have taken to the Tablelander Facebook page to express their grief at the loss of Mr Musumeci, who was originally flown to hospital with serious injuries after the July 28 crash which also tragically killed Tinaroo mum Karen Kattenberg.

“Condolences. Absolutely shocked to hear this news. Absolute gentleman and a privilege to have worked for. Rip mate,” Adam Snell wrote.

“So very sad. I worked with Sam and Mary-Jane on a community landscape project. He was so inspiring, enthusiastic and encouraging. A really lovely man,” Suzan Quigg said.

Chris Banville said Mr Musumeci’s death was a “huge loss for all the Mareeba community”.

“RIP Sam, my deepest condolences to all the family.”

Paul Fagg described Mr Musumeci as “Mareeba to the core” while Aly Martin said he was a “treasured person” and she was blessed to have known him.

“With heartfelt sadness on the loss of a man who was a great example of all things wonderful,” she said.

Add your tributes in the comments at the bottom or on the Cairns Post or Tablelander Facebook pages.

Developer Sam Musumeci outside the Atherton Shire Council building.

EARLIER: A property developer with a passion for Mareeba has died in hospital three weeks after a horrific crash that also claimed the life of a Tinaroo mum.

About 6.15am on July 28, two four-wheel-drives travelling in opposite directions collided on a foggy Kennedy Highway just outside Mareeba near the Gallo Drive intersection.

Developer, earthmover, quarry owner and Mareeba Chamber of Commerce vice president Sam Musumeci succumbed to injuries after the crash and died in Cairns Hospital. Chamber president Joe Moro said the loss came as a shock after doctors gave Mr Musumeci a good chance of pulling through.

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“Most people said he was going to recover, it’s very unexpected. The business community will be in shock,” he said.

“He was deputy chair of the (Mareeba) Chamber of Commerce for a long time, we worked together on de-amalgamation and he had a very strong passion for Mareeba.

“He was a hardworking family man and was someone that you could look up to quite easily.

“He has had a long history in the area.”

Mr Musumeci is survived by wife Mary Jane, two sons and a daughter.

Only two months ago, Mr Musumeci, the co-owner of CQB Services announced plans to expand the Amaroo Park residential estate at Mareeba.

“He was a very good developer,” Mr Moro said. “It has been tragedy from the moment the accident happened and most people will be in shock.

“It’s hard, and very tragic all around. He is going to be missed. He brought value to the community as a businessman and community member.”

Tinaroo mother and occupational therapist Karen Kattenberg died at the scene.

She was farewelled in an emotional service in Atherton earlier this month.

Inspector Andrew Cowie said investigations would focus on how much the foggy environmental conditions contributed to the accident.

Police have urged anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to contact police.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the crash.

Originally published as ‘Going to be missed’: Shock loss of Mareeba stalwart rattles town