“One of life’s true gems”: passionate scientist remember after death at Mt Bogong

A scientist and dedicated father killed in Victoria’s high country while on a ski trip to celebrate months of hard work spent completing his PhD, is being remembered by friends and family “as one of life’s true gems.”

Dr David Blair died at Mitta Mitta, near Falls Creek, after a tricky high country search. Picture: Generic

An accomplished scientist killed in a tragic accident in Victoria’s high country has been remembered as “one of life’s true gems.”

Father-of-two Dr David Blair was on a ski trip to Mount Bogong to celebrate months of recent hard work spent completing a PhD.

But while back-country skiing near Mitta Mitta the Healesville man, 48, is believed to have fallen downhill and into trees, leaving him seriously injured.

Friends called triple-0 for help about 5.30pm on Thursday but tricky terrain and tough conditions stopped emergency workers from reaching the injured man for hours.

Dr David Blair was killed in a skiing accident at Mt Bogong. Picture: Facebook

Dr Blair was an ecologist at ANU and worked in the bushland surrounding his home at Healesville. Picture: Facebook

An air ambulance and members from police from Search and Rescue, SES and team of wilderness paramedic tended to Mr Blair but he died about 6.30am on Friday.

Dr Blair’s friend and ANU colleague Professor David Lindenmayer last night said the world was a better place for having “Dave” in it.

The pair had worked together for a decade and shared many memories as colleagues, friends and with their families.

“He was a person who really loved this country,” Mr Lindenmayer told the Herald Sun.

“He was a back-country skier — he loved the bush, he was a passionate bushwalker, he loved mountain biking.

Dr Blair was an accomplished scientist and lover of the outdoors. Source: Facebook

“You would go a long way to find a more dedicated father, dedicated husband and dedicated employee.

“David was passionate about the conservation of the wet forests in Victoria.

“He was a die in the wool Melbourne Victory supporter.

“He was also a Scout Leader — he was very passionately involved in community football.

“Often you hear things about people after they’ve died — but Dave Blair was one of life’s true gems.”

Friends last night paid tribute to Dr Blair online.

Vale Dr David Blair @ANUFennerSchool an incredible man, father, husband, community leader and forest scientist. Doing what he loved on his favourite Mt Bogong, he was too good to go and the Earth will deeply miss this soul. We love you Dave, forever ❤️🌳 pic.twitter.com/UvGk5DhamQ

— Sarah Rees 🌏 (@sarahrees) August 30, 2019

Sarah Rees wrote “an incredible man, father, husband, community leader and forest scientist. Doing what he loved on his favourite Mt Bogong, he was too good and the Earth will deeply miss this soul. We love you Dave, forever.”

Other said they were “incredibly lucky” to have known him.

Sam Banks said he spent time with Dr Blair in Tasmania’s countryside, and paid tribute to his “bad jokes” and “lovely photos.”

A field ecologist at the Fenner School of Environment and Society at ANU, Dr Blair had worked for the university since 2009 following the Black Saturday bushfires.

He is understood to have recently completed a PhD and further studies in post-fire and post-logging vegetation recovery.

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Prof Lindenmayer said Mr Blair’s wife and two teenage sons had been left “devastated.”

“They lived in the forest just out of Healesville, and they worked in the forest,” he said.

“He made a huge contribution to science.

“One of the things I think about often is there are a lot of terrible things that happen but the world is still a beautiful place and he was certainly one of the best.”

“The world will be a much better place if there are more people like David Blair.”

In a statement this afternoon, Victoria Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A report will now be prepared for the coroner.

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