Wieambilla shootout: Grandfather shot in the back for ‘doing the right thing’

Relatives of a Queensland man killed in Monday’s mass shootin have stood side-by-side with police to pay their respects to the loving husband, father and grandfather.

Alan Dare with his wife Kerry.

Relatives of a Queensland man killed in Monday’s mass shooting, which took the lives of two young police officers, have stood side-by-side with police to pay their respects to the loving husband, father and grandfather.

As Australia mourns constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, who were murdered in an execution-style killing, the rural community of Wieambilla is also grieving the loss of Alan Dare.

The 58-year-old was “just doing the right thing” and checking on his neighbours after hearing a commotion when he was caught in the gunfire and killed about 4.30pm on Monday.

It is understood Mr Dare was shot in the back.

His children and grandchildren stood with police to pay their respects to their “poppy”, with one family member sharing a video on social media. “Guard of honour for Poppy xxxxxx Always and forever in our hearts,” she wrote.

Just two days before the killings, Mr Dare’s wife, Kerry Dare, posted on Facebook a timeline of her relationship with her husband, spanning more than 40 years.

“Met ️ 1981, Dating ️1994, Engage ️ 1995, Married ️1996, Still Together, ️Always,” Ms Dare wrote.

They were believed to have been preparing to celebrate their wedding anniversary this week.

Hundreds of people took to social media on Tuesday to pay their respects and to praise Mr Dare for his bravery.

“Great bloke, would do anything for anyone. Known him for over 26 years,” one friend wrote on Facebook.

“A true Aussie hero. Helping out others in need,” another wrote.

Four police officers were visiting a remote property northwest of Brisbane to make inquiries about missing NSW man Nathaniel Train – an experienced school principal who was last seen a year ago – when they walked into an ambush.

Paying tribute to the two officers on Tuesday morning, Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said they “didn’t stand a chance” during the ambush and she was surprised the remaining two escaped with their lives.

Anthony Albanese recognised Mr Dare’s bravery and the service of both officers as he gave his condolences to their loved ones on Tuesday afternoon.

“Two Queensland police officers, their lives cut short by this atrocity, Constable Matthew Arnold just 26 years of age, Constable Rachel McCrow just 29, constables from Tara police station who lost their lives in this tragedy. I pay tribute to them, I pay tribute as well to their surviving fellow officers, Constable Randall Kirk and Constable Keely Brough,” the Prime Minister said.

“In addition, I pay tribute to a neighbour driven by the instinct to help, Alan Dare, (who) also lost his life in this tragedy.

“Three lives cruelly cut short. This is indeed a devastating day for everyone who loved these Australians and our hearts go out to those in the grip of terrible grief.”