Man found dead after Kurunjang house fire identified as New Age bass player Carey Hesketh
An Australian rock veteran described as an “old school” and “caring” mate was found dead inside his Melbourne home after a fire.
West
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The victim of a fatal house fire in Melbourne’s west has been identified as an Aussie rock veteran as tributes flow for the “caring” and “old school” muso.
The body found inside a Kurunjang home, near Melton on Tuesday afternoon has been identified as 61-year-old Carey Hesketh.
Best mate, David Schmack, was at the property on Wednesday morning and said Hesketh’s death was “horrific” and he would be deeply missed.
“He had a really caring heart, he was always there to listen to people, just a real old school bloke who would give you the shirt off his back,” Mr Schmack said.
“He loved his motorbikes, rode all of his life, and was an excellent musician, played with them all in the 70s, 80s and was still touring up until a few years ago.”
Mr Schmack visited Hesketh’s home almost daily for the past year after the 61-year-old lost his vision and needed help with tasks such as getting groceries and putting out bins.
The pair met working in security many years ago.
He said “big names” would visit Hesketh and jam in his garage until recently and neighbours would have had no idea who was rocking out just next door.
Hesketh cared for his 95-year-old mother until she moved to a retirement home.
He lived alone after losing his partner last year.
According to Sliptrick Records, Hesketh’s band New Age were “hard rock veterans” that released a self-titled album in November 2018.
Hesketh also toured Ukraine with the band in 2020.
Emergency services were called to the blaze in Kurunjang, north of Melton, about 3.10pm on Tuesday.
Crews quickly knocked down the front door as smoke gushed from the home before the body was carried out.
Neighbours held each other in despair and said “please don’t be dead” as paramedics checked the body
One neighbour, Natalie, said the death was “devastating”.
She called the fire brigade after seeing smoke exit from the back of the house.
“I feel terrible, it’s an awful thing to happen and I feel so sorry for those who knew him,” she said.
Neighbours told the Herald Sun they used to see motorbikes out the front of his home and would often hear “high class” rock music coming from the garage until the late hours.
It was a sombre mood for the residents of the adjoining small streets as they learned of the neighbour’s death.
Three fire investigations poured over notes and checklists on the driveway while police and a mobile command van remained on the street
The Maximus Ct home is nestled between two culs de sac.
Neighbours said they heard smoke alarms going off inside the property for several minutes before calling the fire brigade.
Some nearby residents who were home at the time of the incident said they did not hear loud sirens or even smell smoke and were shocked to learn someone had died.
There was no sign of extensive damage at the property from either side of the house.
Police officers at the scene said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.