Heartfelt tributes pour in for Owen Alford, victim of Silverleaf crash

Tributes have flowed for a much-loved father and businessman from the Gympie region, who tragically died in a crash near Murgon.

A close-knit community is mourning the loss of 37-year-old Owen Alford, a beloved Goomeri diesel mechanic and devoted father, who tragically died in a two-vehicle crash in the South Burnett on Sunday morning.

A close-knit community is mourning the loss of 37-year-old Owen Alford, a beloved diesel mechanic and devoted father, who tragically died in a two-vehicle crash in the South Burnett on Sunday morning.

Mr Alford was raised on the Sunshine Coast and graduated Caloundra High School, after which he began his career as a diesel mechanic in 2002.

With 22 years of industry experience, he relocated to Goomeri in 2012 and, recognising a new opportunity, established Wide Bay Diesels in 2016.

His expertise and dedication made him a respected figure in the local mechanical industry and in the community, with one loyal customer, Josh Klein, noting that you wouldn’t find a better mechanic than Mr Alford.

Owen Alford

The fatal accident occurred along a single-lane stretch of Bicks Road, Silverleaf, near Murgon, where dangerous blind spots make it difficult to see oncoming traffic.

Emergency services rushed to the scene just after 9am, responding to reports that a Nissan Navara dual cab ute and a Toyota Hilux tray back had collided on the crest of the road.

Mr Alford tragically died on the scene.

A 48-year-old woman, who was trapped in her Nissan, was later freed and flown to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.

Emergency services on the scene at the Silverleaf crash. Photo: Andrew Hedgman

In the wake of the accident, tributes have poured in online from friends and customers, all remembering Mr Alford for his kindness, dedication, and the impact he had on their lives.

Mr Alfords friend, Zac Thompson, expressed his grief, calling him “a beautiful soul.”

“I’ll always remember him ... such a beautiful soul, a great dad, and a wonderful friend,” Mr Thompson said.

Di Sutherland, who had known Mr Alford for two years, shared her sadness.

“He will definitely be missed by so many. A real nice, honest bloke,” Ms Sutherland said.

“I had to break the news to my hubby this morning, and he’s been gutted all day and will be for a long time. Very sad indeed.”

Owen Alford

Kristine Holmes called him “one of the good ones”.

“We are devastated to read this. He helped us no end and was always a good human. Love to his son and family.”

Many others joined the outpouring of grief, recalling not only Mr Alford’s expertise as a mechanic but also the remarkable person he was.

“A very good mechanic and even better person,” Jamie Lansdown said.

Originally published as Heartfelt tributes pour in for Owen Alford, victim of Silverleaf crash