Tributes flow for Healesville camper Ben Murphy killed by falling branch

A Knoxfield father killed after a tree branch fell on his tent at a Healesville caravan park has been fondly remembered by distraught friends.

A man has been killed by a falling tree branch at a Healesville caravan park. Picture: Stephen Harman

Tributes are flowing for a much-loved father who was killed after a tree branch fell on his tent as he slept at a Healesville campground.

Knoxfield man, Ben Murphy, 44, was at the Big 4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park when the 6m branch fell at 5.45am on Saturday.

Ben Murphy, 44, was tragically killed when a tree branch fell on his tent.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said Mr Murphy was the only occupant of the tent at the time it was crushed.

Tributes posted to social media on Sunday remembered Mr Murphy as a “top bloke”.

“Man this has hit way too close to home. Ben you were a top bloke and never deserved to go out this way,” one wrote.

“I just couldn’t believe it … Things like this just puts into perspective how easily life can be taken away,” another added.

The Scoresby Football and Netball Club also paid tribute to Mr Murphy, who they say was a “big part” of the club.

“Ben was a big part of the Scoresby Junior Magpies and a well-loved great bloke,” the club posted.

“We pass our sincere condolences to his loving family and many friends.”

Nobody else was hurt in the tragic incident.

It was unclear what caused the branch to fall on the man’s tent.

The large branch, 30cm in diameter, was removed by SES volunteers.

WorkSafe is investigating the fatal incident.

Ben Arnold, owner of local restaurant My Little Kitchen, told the Sunday Herald Sun the tragedy was “heartbreaking”.

“Someone has just lost a family member,” Mr Arnold said.

“Whether they were a local or a tourist, it’s just awful.

“It is a pretty freak thing.”

Watts River Brewing employee Jemma Feymour also described the death as “a freak accident”.

“It is very traumatic,” Ms Feymour said.

“A lot of people just don’t know not to set up their camp near trees.

“My condolences to the family.”