Family of Ballarat miner Kurt Hourigan plea for help to support ‘little princess’

The family of a man killed in a mine collapse in Ballarat has launched a fundraiser to help raise money for his “beloved” six-year-old daughter.

A fundraiser has been launched to help raise money for the six-year-old daughter of a man who was tragically killed in a mine collapse in Ballarat.

Kurt Hourigan, 37, was pinned underground following a collapse at the Ballarat Gold Mine overnight Wednesday.

His body was recovered from the mine about 6am on Thursday.

Family members said the Bruthen man was working away from home to support his “beloved” daughter at the time of the incident.

Mr Hourigan was tragically killed in a mine collapse in Ballarat. Picture: Facebook

The Bruthen man was working away from home to support his daughter. Picture: Facebook

“This (GoFundMe) is to help raise money to be held in trust for his princess, the absolute light of his life, his pride and joy, his everything,” his family said.

“In addition to his wonderful attributes he was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a friend, but most importantly he was a father, his proudest role and his most admirable quality.

“Please support our family by assisting with any contribution you can to help his little princess navigate a future without her beloved dad.”

Loved ones described Mr Hourigan as a “selfless” father who will be “greatly missed”.

“Our Kurt was one of a kind, a gentle giant, an absolute larrikin, an adventurer, a quirky free spirit, a true gentleman and by all accounts a ‘mad dog’,” they said.

“On behalf of Kurt’s parents Barry and Lisa, his brother Reece, his daughter, his entire family and his cherished friends, we thank you for your support.”

The fundraiser has so far raised more than $10,000, of a target of $11,110.

Mr Hourigan was unashamedly proud of his kids, frequently posting photos of his time spent with his young daughter.

Loved ones described Mr Hourigan as a ‘selfless’ father. Picture: Supplied

His body was recovered from the mine about 6am on Thursday. Picture: Facebook

A keen handyman and craftsman, Mr Hourigan often showed off his projects around the home at his eastern Victorian rural property.

He also loved his footy, often pulling on the boots for Bruthen in the Omeo District Football Netball League in the state’s High Country.

Mr Hourigan had been trapped 500m underground and about 3km from the mine’s entrance following a rock fall at the site.

A second worker, a 21-year-old man from Ballarat, suffered life-threatening injuries from falling rocks.

Another 29 miners involved in the collapse were able to make their way to an underground safety pod.

They were rescued Wednesday evening and none suffered injuries.