Tributes flow for Kogan firefighter Stuart Larkin killed in late-night horror crash on the Western Downs

A Western Downs firefighter has been remembered as a man who would ‘always do anything for anyone with a smile’ after he was tragically killed in a single-vehicle crash.

Emergency services responded to a single-vehicle crash on the Western Downs on Saturday, November 24. Picture: Kevin Farmer

A Western Downs firefighter has been remembered as a “loving and caring man” after his tragic death in in a horror car crash.

Emergency services were called to Tara Kogan Rd at about 9.35pm on Saturday, November 24 with paramedics working to save the 37-year-old man’s life on the side of the road.

Tragically, Kogan man Stuart Larkin died at the scene.

Another man aged in his 20s who was also in the car received potentially life-threatening injuries in the crash.

The young man sustained injuries to his head, chest, and pelvic area and was flown by helicopter to the Toowoomba airport before an ambulance drove him to Toowoomba Hospital.

Kogan and District Rural Fire Service volunteer Stuart Larkin died in a single-vehicle crash on the Western Downs on Saturday, November 24.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said initial investigations suggested the car failed to navigate a bend and overcorrected.
“The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash,” she said.
“Investigators are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area at the time to come forward”.

After his death, tributes have flowed with the Kogan & District Rural Fire Brigade posting their condolences on Facebook.

‘It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of one of our brigade members – Stuart Larkin – last night. We offer our sincere condolences to his partner Sammy, his family and friends,’ they wrote.

Commenter Misty Fairbrother also expressed her grief.

“Stuart, you have left a big hole in the hearts of all who knew you, you were full of life, fun & laughter, you were always willing to help those in need & would give people the shirt off your back if they needed it, You will be greatly missed brother,” she said.

Peta Hardy also commented.

“This is heartbreaking, he would always do anything for anyone with a smile, thinking of his family,” she said.

Mr Larkin’s friend Jess Gillies has now launched a GoFundMe to cover the costs of Mr Larkin’s funeral.

“Stuart was a loving partner and wonderful father, he adored his wife and son and loved working with the Kogan and Bennett fire brigade saving people's lives and homes,” Ms Gillies wrote.

“He was a loving caring man who would take his shirt off his back to help anyone, he was a funny man who loved to joke around. He loved his four wheel driving with mates and laughing at them when being bogged.

“We would appreciate any donates to Stuart the send off he deserves.”

Donations can be made here.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Kogan firefighter Stuart Larkin killed in late-night horror crash on the Western Downs