Cornel Viljoen tragically killed when motorbike, road train collided on Peak Downs Highway

A motorbike rider killed after colliding with a road train has been identified with family and friends describing the former powerlifter as an amazing friend who loved life and travel.

Motorbike being taken from the scene of a fatal crash on the Peak Downs Highway, 2km west of Fitzroy Development Rd on October 28, 2024. Picture: Janessa Ekert

Loved ones grieving for a Moranbah man who was killed riding his motorbike on a major highway have given a heartfelt tribute, describing him as an amazing friend who loved life and travel.

“He loved his dogs, his motorbikes … (and) the people that loved him, he loved even more,” Steph Easton, who identified herself as his adopted niece, said.

Cornel Viljoen tragically died when his motorbike and a road train collided on the Peak Downs Highway near Strathfield about 8.30am on October 28, 2024.

The 46 year old had been travelling east when the crash occurred as the larger vehicle was turning out onto the highway to head towards Nebo.

The highway was closed in both directions for several hours.

Since then Ms Easton has struggled to come to grips with her loss, describing Cornel as a “supportive, caring, loving” man.

He was an “all around great man” and an “amazing friend to all”, she said.

Cornel Viljoen tragically died when the motorbike he was riding collided with the back of a road train on the Peak Downs Highway on October 28, 2024. Picture: supplied by loved ones.

“I will forever miss his jokes and love for life.

“He lived an adventurous life and had travelled to many places, changing lives all around the world.”

Ms Easton said Cornel, who was originally from South Africa, had lived in Moranbah for about five years and had worked at the sewage treatment plant.

“He had had more than his fair share of struggles but he never let them defeat him,” she said.

“He was an amazing man … and I’m grateful to have had him in mine and my children’s lives.”

Ms Easton said in his younger days Cornel had been into heavy powerlifting and had even won medals in the sport.

He also had the chance to be “an amazing father” for the short time before his own child passed, she said.

“(He’s) certainly gone too soon,” Ms Easton said, adding Cornel would be “returning home to South Africa to rest”.

The tragedy raised the Mackay district’s road toll to 20 deaths from 16 crashes since January 1.

Sadly he was the second motorbike rider killed within two days and one of three men to die in vehicle related incidents on the same day.

Originally published as Cornel Viljoen tragically killed when motorbike, road train collided on Peak Downs Highway