Tribute to Tom Killen after his death in SCUH

Heartfelt tributes have poured in for a retired Mary Valley farmer after he survived two days stuck in mud following a tractor crash only to die four days later.

An aerial shot of Tom Killen's Carters Ridge property. Picture: ABC News.

A long-time Carters Ridge farmer has been remembered as a “genuine country gentleman” after a fall from his tractor ultimately led to his tragic death.

Tom Killen, 95, fell into a dam on Sunday, November 6, 2022, where he remained stuck and alone for two days.

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It was not until neighbour Dave Grey raised the alarm on the morning of Tuesday, November 8, that emergency services went to the scene.

Mr Grey said he became worried for his friend when he had not heard from him in two days.

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According to Queensland Ambulance operations supervisor Shaun Bright, Mr Grey was trying to contact Mr Killen about work on his farm and decided to attend the private property to check on him.

An aerial shot of Tom Killen's Carters Ridge property, south west of Gympie. Picture: ABC News.

Mr Bright said Mr Killen was suffering from hypothermia and severe dehydration from the sun and was in an “altered conscious state” when he was found.

“It was absolutely incredible to see the condition he was in … it was pretty distressing for our crews to see,” Mr Bright said.

“Obviously he is a very stoic gentleman.”

Emergency services rushed to the scene, including two fire crews who helped extract Mr Killen from the dam.

He was then rushed to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.

He died on Saturday, November 12, 2022 in hospital.

Friend Lyndall Ensbey said she had been associated with Mr Killen through the cattle industry.

She said Mr Killen had moved to Carters Ridge to retire from Goondiwindi.

“We hold Tom in the highest regard,” she said.

“He was a genuine country gentleman.”

Ms Ensbey said Mr Killen was an extremely intelligent man, with a reputation as a walking encyclopaedia of all things rural life.

Ms Ensbey said she would most remember Mr Killen for his stoic, no-nonsense attitude.

“We were comfortable with his passing, because we knew he wanted to pass on his property,” she said.

“He just lived in peace and tranquility on his property ... that’s what he and his wife wanted to achieve, and they’ve fulfilled that.”

Mr Killen is survived by his wife Jill, who was unable to comment.

After hearing of the news, Carters Ridge community members celebrated Mr Killen’s life and mourned his passing.

“He passed away on his land doing what he liked … I personally find this very inspiring,” one resident wrote.

“Very sad to hear Tom passed away after his ideal … Another longtime resident of the area has gone to a better place,” another said.

Another resident seized the opportunity to raise awareness for people in the area living on their own.

“I’d love to try and organise a helping hand for people like this gentleman,” she wrote.

“It makes me so sad that he was there for two days.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Originally published as Tribute to Tom Killen after his death in SCUH