Goonyella Riverside miner Chris Ryan remembered in tribute

A Central Queensland miner who died suddenly onsite has been identified as a devoted father and grandfather whose death will be ‘widely felt across site and the broader Bowen Basin community’.

A devoted father and grandfather is being remembered for his work ethic and care for his team after his sudden death at a Bowen Basin mine site.

Chris Ryan suffered a medical episode while on shift at BHP’s Goonyella Riverside on Monday.

The site’s emergency response team was at Mr Ryan’s side helping him within four minutes of workers raising the alarm via phone about 1pm, but despite best efforts, he passed away.

Mr Ryan’s wife Heather paid tribute to her husband with a moving message on social media.

“Goodnight and sweet dreams my love,” she wrote.

“We shall have many more travels together in our next lifetime but until then I will travel with you in my dreams.”

In a message to workers and seen by this publication, Goonyella Riverside mine general manager Sean Milfull said Mr Ryan was a valued and respected worker colleague known for his “great deal of care for his team” and someone who “always led by example”.

Chris Ryan is being remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather after he suffered a medical emergency and died at Goonyella Riverside Mine near Moranbah on Monday, January 17, 2022. He is pictured here with wife Heather Ryan. Picture: Facebook

Mr Ryan owned Celtic Resources and worked in the BHP shutdown team for the past five years, as well as across the wider Goonyella operations.

“His loss will be widely felt across site and the broader Bowen Basin community where he spent time as a fitter and turner,” Mr Milfull said.

“We know from all those who worked with Chris that he showed a great deal of care for his team, always led by example and in true Goonyella spirit, was always up for a laugh.

“Chris lived in Mackay with his wife Heather and was a father of two, and a devoted grandfather.

“I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time.”

Mr Milfull said Mr Ryan’s crew and workmates remained the highest priority for the company, urging them to “take the time to remember Chris and talk to each other”.

Celtic Resources owner Chris Ryan is remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather after he suffered a medical emergency and died at Goonyella Riverside Mine near Moranbah on Monday, January 17, 2022. Picture: LinkedIn

“Not only about the loss we are experiencing, but also the good memories you shared,” he said.

“Remember the friendly face who enjoyed fishing, travelling and the camaraderie of his team.

“I also want to extend a special thank you to the first responders and crews who responded to Chris – we will continue to make sure our teams are well supported.”

The emergency medical response to Mr Ryan was co-ordinated via phone rather than two-way radio which, while not commonly used, is considered an appropriate and effective response to an onsite incident.

The mine’s ERT members are qualified professionals with access to defibrillators, and those units are also fitted on the operation’s open cut overseer vehicles.

Mining operations were paused for 24 hours in the wake of Mr Ryan’s death, the second at the mine in six months.

Ray Rogers, better known to many as Cobber, suffered a medical emergency at Goonyella Riverside on July 13, 2021.

He had reported feeling unwell while on shift and was treated by the mine’s Emergency Response Team and paramedics, but died on site.

Mr Rogers was an experienced service technician who had fostered close ties with his adopted Moranbah community, particularly the local bowls club.

Counsellors have been made available to talk to staff.

Originally published as Goonyella Riverside miner Chris Ryan remembered in tribute