Mareeba man Jeff Ali remembered as a ‘gentle’ man as community mourns death in accident
The tight-knit Tablelands community is reeling after the freak death of a much-loved man, with tributes pouring in for the man who touched so many lives and who had big plans of his own.
Cairns
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A MAREEBA man who died after being struck by a truck on January 13 at a worksite near Chillagoe is being remembered as a gentle, unassuming man who loved the outdoors.
Jeff Ali, 50, was killed when struck by a truck about 1.10pm on the Burke Development Rd.
The Ergon linesman was pronounced dead at the scene.
He is survived by wife Tania, parents David and Pauline and siblings Robert and Donna.
Brother-in-law Steve Cosatto said the tight-knit Mareeba community was reeling from Mr Ali’s sudden death.
“I’m so impressed that such a quiet, unassuming man influenced so many lives, with many messages of condolences and people paying their respects,” Mr Cosatto said.
“The community is really feeling – he was a real solid member of the community and he loved his work at Ergon, he was always available and on call at Christmas and Easter, always put his name up there because he said ‘if I’m not doing it, people aren’t going to have power’,” he said.
“He was genuine and reliable, if you ever needed anything, you just had to call.”
Mr Ali loved fishing in Gulf rivers and was a vintage car enthusiast.
He played soccer and loved camping, and was planning a long caravanning trip with wife Tania.
“He loved trail bike riding, and the outdoors, and that was one of things he loved about his job, he got to travel around Chillagoe and Cooktown,” Mr Cosatto said.
“He was a gentle guy – so many people have been absolutely devastated by his passing.”
The Forensic Crash Unit has launched a probe into Mr Ali’s death.
Investigations by police and officers from Workplace Health and Safety are continuing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
A memorial service will be held at Mareeba International Club on January 22 at 9.30am.
Originally published as Mareeba man Jeff Ali remembered as a ‘gentle’ man as community mourns death in accident
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