Teacher Slater Pearce dies after crash on Archibald St, South Mackay

Heartbreaking tributes are continuing to flow for a 22-year-old Qld teacher whose tragic crash death has rocked the Catholic college at which he taught and the community where he was the loved “life of the party”.

Beloved teacher Slater Pearce, 22, is being mourned after a horror crash at Mackay.

Shattered parents say their children are “broken” and “devastated” after the tragic loss of their teacher Slater Pearce in a catastrophic car crash.

The 22-year-old, who taught at St Patrick’s College at Mackay – the same school he had attended before graduating and going to university – died after he was pulled from the wreckage of a classic car this week.

His shock passing has triggered an outpouring of grief in Mackay where his respected family lives and a fundraiser has been set up to help with funeral costs – already raising $13,300 in three days.

“The strength of this community is unbelievable,” the fundraiser’s organiser, Amelia Noon said.

Balloons written with messages remembering Slater Pearce posted to his GoFundMe. Photo: Contributed

In a letter provided to the St Patrick’s College community in Mackay, where Mr Slater had also graduated as a student in 2019, Principal Janelle Agius said he was a “valued member” of the school community.

“On behalf of our entire College Community of St Patrick’s, I extend our sincere condolences to Slater’s family and friends and offer our prayers, thoughts and support at this very sad time,” she said.

Floral tributes have been growing at the power pole where the teacher lost control of his 70s-era blue Ford Falcon on Archibald St in Paget, just opposite the Mackay Airport on Monday.

Among those laying flowers at the site were some of his former university friends.

They described him as “the life of the party” who everyone “loved” and the “best, funniest … kindest person”.

One card at the scene read: “We will miss you Mr Pearce”.

Flowers laid at the sight of the crash which claimed the life of 22-year-old Slater Pearce on April 7, 2025

Before taking up his teaching position, Mr Pearce had worked at local cafe and bar The Dispensary.

Co-owner of the business, Adrian Connors, said his family was “heartbroken and devastated by the loss of Slater”.

“He was a hard working loyal and gentle person,” Mr Connors said.

“His time with us was while he was completing a teaching degree which just showed the person he was, someone who cared so much for other people and educating future generations.

“He had genuine compassion.

“He was a great role model for the new and older staff alike, he was genuine and will be missed by many, our thoughts are with the Pearce family at this time.”

Slater Pearce was a valued employee at The Dispensary in Mackay while he was studying teaching

Earlier, District Duty Officer Senior Sergeant Lindsay Kuhrt said residents who came across the crash pulled the young driver out of the wreckage and performed CPR on him when a police car also happened to be driving past.

Confronting images of the crash show the devastation caused.

The site of a serious crash on Archibald Street, South Mackay. April 7, 2025

“The vehicle had done a turn on the roundabout and appears to have over accelerated, has lost control of the vehicle and collided into a power pole,” Senior Sergeant Kuhrt said.

Mr Pearce, who was the only person in the car, was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

The tragedy comes barely a week after another serious crash blocked the Bruce Highway in both directions at Kuttabul on April 2.

A 41-year-old man was flown to Townsville hospital after a silver Toyota ute towing a caravan was hit by a silver station wagon which came out of Narpi Rd and as a result, the driver of the station wagon was trapped in the car.

He was taken to Mackay Base Hospital in a life-threatening condition at 10.15am and later flown to Townsville University Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

It’s the fifth fatal car crash in the Mackay District in 2025 and coincides with the busiest and most dangerous time of the year on Queensland’s roads prompting police to ramp up road safety operations.

On March 25, a 37-year-old Bowen man was the victim of a fiery crash on the Bruce Highway south of Proserpine leaving two others in hospital with abdominal and pelvic injuries, but in stable conditions.

A Queensland Fire Department spokesman said one of the cars was destroyed by flames following the head-on collision

Police announced Highway Patrol cars would be out in force these school holidays with an increase in roadside breath and drug testing.

Mackay Whitsunday Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Shane Edwards urged all motorists to prioritise road safety and remember the fatal five: speeding, driving under the influence, fatigue, distraction, and wearing a seatbelt.

Friends described Slater Pearce as “the life of the party” who everyone “loved” and the “best, funniest … kindest person”. Photo: Contributed

WHAT YOU SAID – TRIBUTES FLOW FOR SLATER PEARCE

Tributes have flooded social media in the wake of the crash. Here’s just some of the touching tributes left on the Daily Mercury’s Facebook page.

“Mr Pearce was my son’s (13 year old) wood works teacher but also his favourite teacher at school and my son had planned on making Mr Pearce one of his wooden lures these school holidays. My son is absolutely devastated after hearing this heartbreaking news. Condolences to all Slater’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time. Thank you Mr Pearce for all that you gave to your students.” - Christie-Lee Ingrie.

“Slater (Mr Pearce) is and will always be remembered by so many of his students as the best teacher and human. We are devastated by his passing. What a role model for our kids. My sons are broken by the news. Slater’s family should be so proud of the unfortunate legacy that he has left. He has left such a mark on so many of our young adults. The most tragic news and loss. Heart goes out to his amazing family. He always went above and beyond in his position as an educator. He made my son a foot protector when his leg was broken and couldn’t attend class without foot protection. Marched with him in the Anzac Day march. He was always there for a chat, an ear and anything they needed. Such a loss.” – Rebecca Jane.

“He was so beautiful, always with a smile on his face. He was loved by our students and he was one of the young teachers who said always ‘hello’ to me and greeted me with my first name. Slater, rest in peace and you will always be in my heart. Send some condolences to the family.” – Brigitte Zimmermann.

“Slater, We watched you grow from a little boy into a handsome young man, progressed into a popular teacher that my grandchildren idolised at Mercy /St. Pats. Toni, Andrew and Steele, we are so devastated for your loss. May the beautiful memories you have live on forever. Heartfelt sympathies to you all.” – Catherine Grima.

“He was so lovely and a great history student. I was also lucky to have been his history teacher and fellow colleague. RIP Slater.” – Tanya Bugeja.

“Our deepest sympathies to Slater’s family, friends and colleagues. Our son really enjoyed his classes, he will be missed by so many in the school community Rest in peace mate.” – Kacey Rice.

“Deepest sympathies and condolences to the Pearce family. Slater would always have a smile and a chat for me every morning. We shared some special moments and I will miss him greatly.” – Dianna Dawn Bailey.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Slater. He was a burst of energy and a happy smile in the staffroom. He was loved by staff and students alike. Toni, Andrew and Steele, we offer you our deepest sympathies and prayers. Rest in peace Slater.” – Leanne Cureton.

“So sad to hear this. He was such a great person with an awesome attitude! Everyone loved him, hard to believe he’s gone. Hope you’ll be getting everlasting barrels on the other side buddy xo.” – Renae Johansen.

“I cannot come to terms with the fact you’re no longer with us. Such and amazing person and such a loving and wonderful family. My heart breaks for you.” – Heidi Wunderlich.

“So sad. Thinking of his family and school community. Taken too soon. Will remember that beaming, bright smile from his primary school days!” – Jodie Benfer.

“My deepest condolences to the family. My son always spoke so highly of him and said he was one of the best teachers he’s had since starting college. He truly made a lasting impact, and we’re so grateful for the time and care he gave his students. RIP Mr Pearce.” - Susana Kapeli John Pula.

“From all the comments I see about him, I as well experienced his presence as the young man trained at my gym. Always tried to help and sent messages to let me know if there was any kind of issue. Was definitely good energy and was always happy. Was a pleasure having you there mate RIP.” – Anthony Bennett.

“With his bright & bubbly personality, Slater always had a fun loving vibe about him. He (Mr Slater) was looked up to by so many of his students. Taken too soon & always remembered. My absolute deepest condolences to his loving family & friends.” – Carmel Deguara.

“My mornings will never be the same without our silly chats. Rest in paradise Slater, you will be so unbelievably missed at school.” – Debbie Stickland.

“SP, you’ll be missed so much mate! Our random convos and banter, still can’t believe your gone. One of a kind.” – Jaz Breayley.

“This lovely young man was my son’s teacher. So very sad! RIP Slater.” – Katie Williams.

“Gone way too soon. So blessed to have taught Slater many moons ago in Kindy. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.” – Alice Fitzpatrick.

Originally published as Teacher Slater Pearce dies after crash on Archibald St, South Mackay