Port Macquarie Raymond Gill roadside memorial exhaust pipes stolen by heartless thieves

Family and friends of a beloved Mid-North Coast truckie who died in a fiery highway crash have been left devastated after part of his roadside memorial was stolen, labelling the opportunistic thieves as “scum”.

The Pacific Highway roadside memorial with the pipes in place. Picture: Supplied.

Family and friends of a beloved Mid-North Coast truckie who died in a fiery highway crash have been left devastated after part of his roadside memorial was stolen, labelling the opportunistic thieves as “scum”.

Raymond Gill, 52, was piloting his semi-trailer over a hill on the Pacific Hwy in the early hours of August 27, 2021 when he ploughed into an already overturned truck and both vehicles were consumed by a fireball.

The roadside memorial consisted of a simple wooden cross, made by Raymond’s brother Damien, displaying the signs “RIP” and “Raymond ‘Gilly’ Gill” with a truck wheel rim and the two large chrome pipes, organised by Mr Campbell, symbolically arranged at the base.

However, the exhaust pipes have now vanished, which on Tuesday spurred Mr Campbell to express his disgust.

“To the bloody lowlifes that took Raymond Gill’s exhaust stacks from his memorial, you are nothing but the scum of the Earth,” he wrote on social media.

The truck exhaust pipes have been removed by unknown persons. Picture: Supplied.

“If anybody saw any strange activity on their way past and has a dashcam with footage, I would love to hear from you.

“We are not sure when this happened, but the so-called low-life humans or individuals need to know we are onto them. If anybody can help with DASH CAM FOOTAGE, that would be good.”

Truckie Raymond Gill was 52 when he died in a fiery crash. Picture: Supplied.

The post also contained a message from Raymond’s father Ron Gill, who was also a truck driver.

“We would like to know how the low-life was that removed the exhaust stacks from our son’s memorial on the side of the road at Port Macquarie turn,” Ron Gill said.

‘You have no respect whatsoever, it is very heartbreaking.”

Mr Campbell said he had known Raymond for about 20 years having been a neighbour to his parents.

Raymond Gill's sons (l-r) Shawn and Tyrone. Picture: Supplied.

“They are pretty gutted, you can’t blame them,” Mr Campbell said.

“We all are, whoever knows him. It’s just gut-wrenching. I can’t think of anything any lower.

“His parents are just devastated and so am I because I was the one who got the exhaust stacks and the rim for Raymond.”

Mr Gill was a father of two boys and was engaged at the time of his death.

In April 2024 his name was added to the North Coast Trucking Social Club Memorial Wall of fallen truck drivers, which is located at South Kempsey Caltex Interchange on the Pacific Highway.

Mr Campbell, who repairs computers and polishes automotive parts, is preparing new exhaust pipes to place at the memorial but admits there is little that can be done to protect them.

“What can you do?” he asked, saying he had not reported the theft to police because he doubted they would be able to help.

Those commenting on his post shared their disgust at the despicable act.

“Disgraceful how disrespectful someone people are,” one person said.

“Hopefully karma will get them,” another wrote.

“I have no words!!! How can people be so rubbish???? What is happening to our world?” posted another incredulously.

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Originally published as Port Macquarie Raymond Gill roadside memorial exhaust pipes stolen by heartless thieves