Tributes flow for Boonah man Jake Donnelly killed in tragic crash

Tributes have flown for a country boy with a heart of gold after he was tragically killed in a crash west of Brisbane.

The death of a southeast Queensland man has rocked a small community south of Ipswich after his life was cut short following a horror crash on Ipswich’s Boonah Road.

Jake Donnelly and his fiance.

The exceptionally talented polocrosse rider Jake Donnelly had been a passenger in his Ute when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree at Milbong.

A Walcha Polocrosse Club spokeswoman said Jake was always friendly and got along with everyone.

“Some of the Walcha playing members are also family, they will treasure and remember the games on the field and the funny antics around the campfire,” she said.

“Jake loved spending time with family, and loved the fact that he could play a game of polocrosse with his father, mother, brothers and nephews.”

Talented polocrosse rider Jake Donnelly competing.

The spokeswoman who’s close with the Donnelly family said the country boy at heart had been riding from a very early age and started playing polocrosse as a young boy.

“Jake had a passion for horses and the country life. His smiling face will be missed by many,” she said.

Sadly, Mr Donnelly left behind the love of his life Samantha Browne.

The pair was engaged for just over a year after Mr Donnelly got down on one knee at a Spicers Gap lookout in 2020.

The exceptionally talented polocrosse rider Jake Donnelly who played with his family at the Walcha Polocrosse Club.

Ms Browne said she was lost for words after losing her ‘everything’.

Hundreds of friends rallied behind Jack’s fiance in a show of support.

Keely Beutel said she also struggled to find words and sent her condolences to all affected.

“So heartbreaking for everyone who knew Jake and his incredible sense of humour,” she said.

Ali Denman said she would also miss his ‘incredible’ humour and being picked on.

“What you two shared was truly something special,” she said.

Jake proposed to the love of his life in July 2020.

Jakes friend Christopher Topp said he, “absolutely loved Jake and was such a great friend to me and always went above and beyond to help whoever he could”.

“The world has lost an absolute champion of a bloke,” Mr Topp said.

Jake was a large part of the Boonah community and would be sorely missed, said Crystal Kinsey.

A friend of Jake’s from Boonah State High Chealsea Gee said Mr Donnelly’s life was taken far too soon although he could rest easy knowing he was a great man.

“He was a great guy and a good mate,” she said.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Boonah man Jake Donnelly killed in tragic crash