Belgian backpacker who died had just arrived

THE Belgian backpacker, who died from suspected heat stroke on a farm in North Queensland this week, had only just arrived to work on a watermelon farm.

THE Belgian backpacker who died on a farm south of Townsville this week had only just arrived in North Queensland.

Olivier Max Caramin, died aged 27, on Wednesday November 1 while working on a watermelon farm near Ayr.

He was taken to Ayr Hospital before being transported to Townsville Hospital about 5pm on Tuesday.

He died in hospital at 4.50am on Wednesday.

The backpacker was from Gent in Belgium.

Olivier Max Caramin died on November 1 on a watermelon farm near Ayr from suspected heat stroke suffered while picking fruit. Photo Facebook

An autopsy is due to take place into the cause of his death but authorities believe it was due to heat stroke.

The temperature in Ayr on Tuesday reached a top of 30.5C on the day he died.

He had been picking watermelons when he collapsed.

Olivier Max Caramin died on November 1 on a watermelon farm near Ayr from suspected heat stroke suffered while picking fruit. Photo Facebook

A friend of Mr Caramin, who asked not to be named, said the backpacker was popular and considered a “good guy”.

It’s thought Mr Caramin arrived to Ayr three days before he died.

Mr Caramin’s family have been informed of his death.

Olivier Max Caramin died on November 1 on a watermelon farm near Ayr from suspected heat stroke suffered while picking fruit. Photo Facebook

Rosie Ayliffe, the mother of backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung — who was murdered in Home Hill south of Townsville, has been campaigning for reform to the backpacker tourism industry.

She called for a thorough investigation into Mr Caramin’s death.

Olivier Max Caramin died on November 1 on a watermelon farm near Ayr from suspected heat stroke suffered while picking fruit. Photo Facebook

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin expressed her sympathies.

“We’re very saddened to hear of the passing of this young man and would like to express our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” Cr McLaughlin said.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is believed to be investigating the death.

Olivier Max Caramin died on November 1 on a watermelon farm near Ayr from suspected heat stroke suffered while picking fruit. Photo Facebook

Originally published as Belgian backpacker who died had just arrived