Tributes flow for Proserpine gardener Steven James Brierley after death in Cannon Valley

Tributes are pouring in for a beloved Queensland dad and local gardener, described as “the best mate anyone could ever have” after he was tragically killed in a lawnmower accident.

Tributes are pouring in for a beloved Queensland dad and local gardener, Steven James Brierley, after he was tragically killed when the lawnmower he was riding rolled down an embankment. Photo: Facebook

The Whitsundays are mourning a beloved local gardener after his tragic death earlier this month in an accident at work.

The death of 56-year-old Steven James Brierley was announced in a social media tribute posted across local community boards where the region remembered “Gardener Steve” as an “absolute legend of a bloke”

Commenters sent their condolences to the family and shared their memories of Mr Brierley who was described as a hard worker and great man who would be missed by many.

The announcement said the father from Proserpine was placed in an induced coma in Townsville Hospital after the accident where his mum and son travelled from the Gold Coast to be by his side.

Mr Brierley’s son, Tyson Brierley, also posted a touching tribute, remembering his dad as “the best mate anyone could ever have”.

He said in the post his father “said what was on his mind and worked any job you would give him” and was “one of the best comedians” he had ever known.

Steve Brierley was remembered as a hard worker and great man who would be missed by many. Photo: Facebook

He added that Mr Brierley was the best parent he could have gotten.

Mr Brierley’s mother, Marj Brierley, thanked the community for their messages and said it was lovely to think that her son was so well regarded by so many.

She said Mr Brierley was so loved and she didn’t know how to go on without him.

Mr Brierley was critically injured when his ride on lawnmower rolled down an embankment off Orchid Rd at Cannon Valley on Wednesday, May 14.

Emergency services crews arrived on scene at around 1pm and initially assessed the man for potential spinal, wrist, and pelvic injuries.

He was taken to Proserpine Hospital before being taken to Townsville Hospital where he sadly died of his injuries.

Inspector Glenn Cameron said police were assisting Workplace Health and Safety Queensland with preparing a report for the coroner.

A WHSQ spokeswoman confirmed the authority was continuing its investigation into the incident.

“No further comment can be made at this time,” she said.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Proserpine gardener Steven James Brierley after death in Cannon Valley