Work Safety Queensland is investigating death of Peter Hockey after Preston Peak Winery tragedy

The owner of a prestigious Queensland wedding venue has provided a statement after a groundskeeper on the first day of his new job died in a tragic lawnmower accident.

A groundskeeper has died in a tragic accident while mowing the lawn of Preston Peak Winery. Photo: Sarah Courtney.

A groundskeeper’s first day of work at a new job ended in tragedy after he died while mowing the lawn of the award-winning wedding venue, it can be revealed.

Peter Hockey, 54, suffered life-threatening injuries when he collided with a tree while working at Preston Peak Winery, south of Toowoomba, about 2pm on Monday.

Emergency services rushed to the venue but Mr Hockey could not be saved.

Preston Peak Winery owner Mark Osborne offered his condolences to the man’s wife and children.

“We feel absolutely dreadful that this has happened to the poor man,” he said.

“It was just an incredibly sad thing.

“He started with us on Monday and was friends of a lot of the staff.”

Preston Peak Winery is set atop Toowoomba Range, with sweeping views that take in the Lockyer Valley.

Mr Osborne said the groundskeepers were undertaking their regular duties when the incident occurred.

“It is the most tragic thing,” he said.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is investigating the matter, supported by Queensland Police Service officers from the Forensic Crash Unit and the Scenes of Crime.

“As this is a current investigation, no further comment can be made at this time,” a WHSQ spokesman said.