Jakib Mullins: Tributes for motorcyclist after Rocherlea crash

A Tasmanian man caught up with his former neighbour and schoolmate to offer him a job just hours before the latter’s tragic road death, which has “broken” the victim’s partner.

A Tasmanian man says he feels “numb” to the core after seeing his former classmate and neighbour just hours prior to his tragic motorbike death.

Underwood man Jakib Mullins, 32, lost control of his grey Honda CBR motorcycle about 8.30pm Monday while travelling on Lilydale Rd, Rocherlea, Tasmania Police said.

Childhood friend Jimmy, who asked not to use his surname, said the news of Mr Mullins’ death was “numbing to my soul and mind” – especially as he had seen his friend just hours before his death to offer him a job.

After running some errands, Mr Mullins was travelling back to Jimmy’s house to spend more time together when his accident occurred.

Jimmy, who attended Lilydale High School with Mr Mullins before subsequently becoming neighbours, said he was “grateful” for the times they spent together.

Motorcyclist Jakib Mullins, 32, of Underwood, lost his life in a horror single-vehicle accident on Lilydale Rd, Rocherlea, on the evening of August 29. Picture: Facebook

“Warts and all, you were a good kid and a better man than most,” he told the Mercury.

“You are missed here and I am grateful for all the times we spent together.

“The world is missing something special that hadn’t fully bloomed yet and it’s our loss and the loss of a true friend that is gut-wrenching.”

Jimmy recalled fondly their childhood mischief they got up to together: trips to the beach, wheelie binning, egging people they didn’t like, and getting bogged while four-wheel driving.

While Mr Mullins had his “demons” – it’s understood he spent a recent stint in custody – there’s no-one you’d rather have in your corner, Jimmy said.

Mr Mullins’ partner Jayde Knowles told the Mercury she will love and remember her boyfriend “forever and ever”.

“His family is my family, and my family is his,” she said.

“He was my, and is my, everything.”

She said she had been “broken” by the news.

Other friends took to social media to remember the good times they shared with Mr Mullins.

“You’ve been there for me through all of it and you’ve been a big part of my life bro,” said friend of 15 years Brad Jetson.

“I’m gonna miss you and be forever grateful for who you were to me and to have the honour to be your good mate.

“You weren’t ready to go I know you had so much you wanted to do and see.”

Tasmania Police Northern District Acting Commander Nathan Johnston said it was “wet and dark” when Mr Mullins lost control of his motorbike on a straight stretch of Lilydale Rd.

He said investigations were continuing and a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Originally published as Jakib Mullins: Tributes for motorcyclist after Rocherlea crash