Warren Eaton, 48, remembered as a kind man with a gentle soul

The mother of a Manoora man who was the victim of a fatal accident on Saturday remains in the dark as to “what really happened” as she mourns the loss of her beloved son.

Warren Eaton, 48, is remembered fondly by his family for his kindness and gentle soul. Picture: Supplied

Police are investigating whether a man fatally struck by a vehicle in Manunda on Saturday night was involved in an altercation before his death, as his heartbroken mother remains desperate for answers.

On Sunday morning, Carolyn Wylie woke up to numerous text messages and missed calls conveying every mother’s nightmare – her son had succumbed to injuries after being hit by a vehicle the night before.

She still doesn’t have a clear picture of how the tragedy unfolded.

Manoora resident Warren Edward George Eaton, 48, was struck by a vehicle on Saturday night in Manunda, outside the Raintrees Shopping Centre, where he died on scene.

Ms Wylie, who lives in Townsville and underwent day surgery on Monday, said she wanted to know what really happened.

“There is so much talk online and so many messages I am getting,” she said.

“The detective said he couldn’t release too much information because it was an ongoing criminal investigation.”

Police on Monday said they were investigating whether Mr Eaton was involved in an altercation prior to his death.

“There may have been an altercation but we cannot confirm he was pushed in front of traffic at this stage,” a Queensland Police Service spokesman said.

Warren Eaton with his family in Cairns. Picture: Supplied

Ms Wylie said she felt “just sad” and held back tears as she tried to work out the right words to describe her son.

“He didn’t deserve to get what he got,” Ms Wylie said.

“He was loved by everyone that knew him.

“He was doting on his children, he loved his children.”

Ms Wylie, who works as a laundry assistant in an aged care home, last saw Mr Eaton in person a few years ago in Cairns, when she came up to see his firstborn.

“But I always kept in contact with him by phone,” she said.

“It’s hard because as a casual worker I had to be there whenever they called me.

“From what people were telling me, he was getting his act together and trying to be there for his family.”

His younger brother Robert, a long haul truck driver, remembered Mr Eaton as a kind man with a gentle soul.

Warren Eaton (first from right) as a young boy with his siblings. Picture: Supplied

“He fell into some hard times when he was younger but throughout his struggles he never lost his good heart and love for his family and friends,” he said.

“His abrupt and untimely death, particularly while he was in such a good place in life and in such a violent manner, has shocked and broken us all. RIP brother.”

Alison Eaton, Mr Eaton’s sister, said her brother had a troubled and difficult life, but despite the challenges he was a good father who loved his kids.

“Sadly, this tragedy has come at a time when Warren was working to reconnect with his family and better his life for his kids,” Ms Eaton said.

“He is now with our beautiful sister Rose who we tragically lost many years ago.

“I love him and am very sad to know he is not with us anymore.”

Jodi Thompson, sister-in-law to Mr Eaton, said the incident was “a massive shock to us all”.

“Warren was always welcoming and treated everyone like family,” she said.

Born on April 16, 1974 in Mossman, the beloved father-of-four was a stay-at-home dad who was just two weeks shy of 49 when he died.

He was remembered by loved ones on social media, with many looking up to him as a brother.

Warren Eaton as a young boy. Picture: Supplied

Warren Eaton as a young boy with his little brother. Picture: Supplied

Rebecca Levers, a friend of Mr Eaton who had known him for years, said he had a heart of gold.

“He touched the lives of everyone who met him, a kind gentle giant,” Ms Levers said.

“A free-spirited person who lived life to the fullest.”

Friend Linecia Hobbler wrote of memories shared together and how much she enjoyed his laugh, jokes and company.

“You’re a bright fella, an innocent man who didn’t deserve it,” she wrote.

“We know it won’t be the same now.

“May you rest easy now, my brother. We shall meet you in the after life.”

“He was a harmless fella wouldn’t hurt a fly, left a wife and babies without their partner and father,” Becka Louise wrote.

Originally published as Warren Eaton, 48, remembered as a kind man with a gentle soul