Tributes to Merrimac motorbike rider Craig Ward, 53, killed in fatal crash on M1
Workmates of a Gold Coast motorcyclist killed in a horrific M1 crash involving a wayward step ladder knew something was off when he did not show up for his shift – he was never late.
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THE workmates of a Gold Coast motorcyclist killed in a horrific M1 crash knew something was off when he did not show up for his shift Monday morning – Craig Ward was never late.
Oceanic Group sent out a colleague to check on the popular 53-year-old Merrimac man, a dedicated employee of more than a decade, but their fears would soon be realised.
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A news bulletin blaring over the radio revealed an unidentified motorbike rider had been killed after a ladder fell from the back of a tradie’s vehicle, sparking a fatal multi-vehicle pileup near Nerang.
Later, a fateful phone call by Queensland Police confirmed Mr Ward was the unfortunate victim of the Exit 69 crash involving three utes, an SUV and his beloved motorcycle.
The tragic news came as a harsh blow for Mr Ward’s family, friends and workmates, a colleague said.
“We were quite worried. Craig hadn’t turned up for work and we had a person out looking for him. We’d been ringing him all morning. It was strange, to not know where he was,” she said.
“I had the radio going and everything started falling into place. Motorbike accident, six in the morning.
“Craig was supposed to start at 6.30am and we hadn’t heard from him – he was never late, he was always early. The police rang us yesterday.”
The colleague, who asked not to be named, described Mr Ward as a “wonderful man”.
“He was outgoing, fun-loving. He loved his motorbike and loved coming to work,” she said.
“He was always a lot of fun, everyone liked him – a good fellow. He’d been working with us for years.
“We’re finding it tough, but we’re getting there.”
The colleague said Mr Ward, nicknamed “Wardy”, worked in welding at Oceanic Group, which is a Coomera trailer manufacturing business.
“Craig was actually helping one of the foremen in the welding area,” she said.
“He was a very switched on man.”
Mr Ward’s Facebook page speaks volumes of his love of motorcycles and includes photos of Mr Ward on outings in the countryside with his mates.
The page states Mr Ward, sporting an enthusiastic grin in photos, studied panelbeating and spray-painting at St George College TAFE in Sydney.
Mr Ward’s brother-in-law wrote in a Facebook post after the crash: “His parents, sister, nephews and great niece will all miss him so much.
“A kind soul who never hurt anyone. The family will grieve our loss,” he wrote.
“However, our thoughts are also with the driver of the other vehicle.”
The Forensic Crash Unit has been probing Monday’s “complicated” M1 crash.
The driver behind the wheel of the car from which the ladder fell has spoken to police, according to Gold Coast District Duty Officer Chris Tritton
He said officers were investigating whether an “unsecured load” – a small step ladder – fell and caused a vehicle to take evasive action.
“The motorbike rider (Mr Ward) has then been struck or come into an uncomfortable situation and has lost control of his motorcycle,” he said.
It appears Mr Ward’s motorbike was then struck by a ute, causing fatal injuries.
No one had been charged and investigations were ongoing on Tuesday, a Gold Coast police spokesman confirmed.
Police have urged anyone with dashcam video or more information to come forward.
Queensland motorists transporting loads are responsible for ensuring loads do not make vehicles unsafe and items can’t fall or be dislodged from the vehicle.
EARLIER: MOTORBIKE RIDER KILLED IN CHAOTIC M1 CRASH IDENTIFIED
THE Gold Coast motorcyclist killed on the M1 after a ladder reportedly fell from a tradie’s vehicle on Monday morning was Merrimac man Craig Ward.
The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit has been investigating the “complicated” circumstances surrounding the death of the keen motorbike enthusiast, aged 53.
Gold Coast District Deputy Officer Chris Tritton said: “We are investigating an unsecured load that was a small step ladder, that has caused a vehicle to take evasive action and has led to the sequence of the accident.”
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“The motorbike rider has then been struck or come into an uncomfortable situation and has lost control of his motorcycle,” he said.
Mr Tritton said a ute behind the motorcycle came into contact with the rider, now known to be Mr Ward, causing fatal injuries.
He said the driver of the car which the ladder fell from had been in contact with police after the M1 crash.
Mr Ward’s passion for motorbikes is evident on his Facebook page, where he’s pictured on outings in the countryside with mates.
The page states Mr Ward, who’s sporting a broad smile in a range of photos, had studied panelbeating/spray-painting at St George College TAFE in Sydney.
Mr Ward, or “Wardy”, lists his occupation as factory hand at Oceanic Group, a Coomera business manufacturing trailers.
Police have urged anyone with dashcam video or information about the crash to get in touch.
M1 CRASH VICTIM CONFIRMED AS GOLD COAST MAN
A 53-year-old Merrimac man was the victim of a horror crash on the M1 on Monday morning caused when a ladder fell from a tradie’s vehicle.
Gold Coast District Deputy Officer Chris Tritton said the Forensic Crash Unit are investigating the “complicated” incident, that involved three utes, a SUV and a motorcycle.
“We are investigating an unsecured load that was a small step ladder, that has caused a vehicle to take evasive action and has led to the sequence of the accident,” he said.
“The motorbike rider has then been struck or come into an uncomfortable situation and has lost control of his motorcycle.”
Mr Tritton said a ute behind the motorcycle came into contact with the rider, causing fatal injuries.
The driver of the car which the ladder fell from contacted police after the incident, according to Mr Tritton.
“They have come forward so we thank them for that,” he said.
“Police attended another address off the M1 to speak to that driver.”
Mr Tritton said once the forensic crash unit finish their investigation a decision on charges will be made.
He is urging anyone with dashcam video or information surrounding the crash to contact police.
Acting Operations Supervisor for Gold Coast Emergency Services Dion Marr said seven people, including paramedics and critical care personnel, attended the scene at 6am Monday morning.
The crew tried to revive the man for about half an hour but couldn’t.
“Our primary patient was a man who had suffered significant traumatic injuries,” he said.
“After valiant attempts, we were unable to revive the patient.”
No one else was hurt at the scene but all involved have been provided support.
Mr Marr said he believed the motorcyclist was trapped under a vehicle and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services technical support team helped remove the vehicle from the man.
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