Sam Wilson: Tributes flow for Neerim South dad killed in crash

The wife of a Neerim South dad killed in a Gippsland crash days after their second daughter was born, has paid tribute to her loving, thoughtful husband.

Sam Wilson loved his two young daughters. Picture: Supplied

A devoted dad killed in a crash in Gippsland just 10 days after his second daughter was born, has been remembered as a loving husband and father.

Sam Wilson, 31 of Neerim South, tragically died when he lost control of his vehicle on Walhalla Rd at Aberfeldy on October 3.

His wife Ellie had given birth to their second daughter Grace only 10 days before his death.

“His 10 days with Grace will never be forgotten, and he made being a dad to two beautiful girls look so natural,” she said.

Ellie and Sam met at Scouts when they were 16, started dating at 18 and married in 2019 before they had their first child Rosie in 2020.

Ellie said her husband was a thoughtful man.

When the couple first started dating Ellie said she loved treasure hunts so Sam freezed clues in the back of the freezer.

“Sometimes it would take me months to work out the clues but he kept the hunt going for years,” she said.

Ellie, Sam and Rosie. Picture: Supplied

Another time Ellie said Sam brought home snow so they could make snowmen.

She said he was also a devoted father.

“Sam was an incredible dad to Rosie, bringing her along for rides on the lawnmower, and even squeezing into her cot to sleep beside her when she needed comforting,” she said.

Friend Natasha Turner said Sam was known for his country style stubbies and ‘flannie’ shirts.

“Sam would be the first person to throw his hand up to help out a mate, or anyone in the community,” she said.

“His beaming smile and no worries attitude meant no problem was too big or too small, and his reassuring grin always kept everyone around him positive.”

Sam and Ellie on their wedding day with Sam wearing his beloved ‘flannie’ shirt. Picture: Supplied

Sam with his daughters Rosie and Grace. Picture: Supplied

Ms Turner said the machine operator loved helping others and cleared logs and trees from the road during the 2019 bushfires in Bunyip and Mallacoota.

Sam’s mum Deb said her son was dedicated to Scouts and was involved in many events and camps throughout the year.

“Sam loved the outdoors and being on the water,” she said.

“He was a very active member of the scouting movement.”

A GoFundMe was set up for Sam’s family five days ago and has already raised more than $74,000.

The money will support Ellie and her two daughters.

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