Kurt Budden: Chinchilla teen dies after shocking workplace incident

Tributes have flooded social media after a beloved Western Downs teen was killed in a nightmare workplace incident, just a week before Christmas.

The Western Downs is in shock and mourning after a beloved teenager died following a horror workplace incident just a week before Christmas.

Kurt Budden suffered critical injuries when he was trapped between a truck tray and the vehicle’s chassis on Friday. 

The 16-year-old  was flown to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition.

Tragically, Kurt’s parents confirmed he lost his fight at the weekend.

In a Facebook post, his parents Steve and Sandra Budden paid tribute to their boy, saying that had “lost all that we were building in life”.

“We love you Kurt more than you ever imagined and that will live for us forever,” the post read.

“Never in my wildest dreams would anyone imagine their son going to work Friday morning and never seeing him smile and talk again.

“Please never forget him, ever.”

Chinchilla apprentice Kurt Budden, 16, tragically passed away after a horror workplace incident on December 17, 2021. Picture: Facebook

The news sparked an outpouring of grief, with friends and family taking to Facebook to share their anguish.

“(You) will forever be in our hearts and always on our minds. Never will I forgot all the memories we made together and the love I have for you will never change. You will always be one of my best mates,” Kate Honnery wrote.

“Forever 16 Kurt, will never be forgotten,” wrote another.

It’s understood Kurt had only recently started an apprenticeship.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland confirmed it was investigating the incident, which occurred at a mechanical workshop.

A spokesman said investigators had attended on Friday, but was unable to provide further details due to the ongoing investigation.

Originally published as Kurt Budden: Chinchilla teen dies after shocking workplace incident