Tributes to former Brisbane Roar MD Mark Kingsman who died after jet ski accident on Gold Coast
The man who died yesterday after a jet ski accident at South Stradbroke Island has been revealed as a former boss of Brisbane Roar A League club.
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THE Gold Coast is mourning the passing of a prominent national football figure who died during a jet ski trip with mates at South Stradbroke Island yesterday.
Former Brisbane Roar managing director Mark Kingsman, 54, from Hope Island, could not be revived by paramedics after falling from his jet ski and taking on water.
Investigations are still underway as to whether Mr Kingsman suffered a medical episode, police said.
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Kingsman, who was CEO of East Coast Car Rentals, was the Roar’s managing director for 14 months before being controversially sacked by the club in October 2017.
The Brisbane Roar posted a tribute to the former boss on Twitter today.
Vale Mark Kingsman.
— Brisbane Roar (@brisbaneroar) January 3, 2019
Brisbane Roar Football Club would like to pass on our sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of our former Managing Director, who has passed away. pic.twitter.com/54loZHLao9
“Brisbane Roar Football Club would like to pass on our sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of our former Managing Director,” the post read.
Today Mr Kingsman was remembered as a keen football fan, who remained close with the Gold Coast Legends Football Club after moving to the Roar.
He was president of the Legends Club before taking his position with the Brisbane Roar.
Current president Anthony Farr described Mr Kingsman as a “leading light” for the club.
“He played for many years and ran two very successful Tigers teams, he introduced people like Craig Moore to the club and then he became president and he was responsible for some of the really important changes that the club made,” Mr Farr said.
COAST MAN DIES AFTER JET SKI ACCIDENT ON SOUTH STRADBROKE ISLAND
His generosity to the game was shown in many ways, from reportedly reaching into his own pocket to pay staff and player salaries during his time at the Roar, to handing over a $10,000 cheque from East Coast Car Rentals to the Gold Coast club before Christmas.
“If we needed anything, raffle prizes, whatever he could do to help Legends Football he was there,” Mr Farr told The Gold Coast Bulletin.
“He was a dedicated family man and had incredible business acumen … Mark’s drive and his willingness to take on criticism, whatever he set his mind to, he was tremendously successful.”
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The Bulletin understands former Socceroos pair Craig Moore and Danny Tiatto were among the three close friends with him when he died.
Mr Moore, the Roar’s former football director, attempted to resuscitate Mr Kingsman while waiting for paramedics.
Brisbane players are expected to don black armbands for their clash with Perth Glory on Sunday night, with a minute’s silence to be observed in his honour before kick-off.
Mr Kingsman is survived by his wife and teenage daughter.
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