Family's heartbreak as fit 83-year-old cyclist dies after handling potting mix
A grieving daughter has issued an urgent warning after her “extremely fit” 83-year-old father died from legionellosis contracted from potting mix he handled without a mask.
A grieving daughter has issued an urgent warning after her “extremely fit” 83-year-old father died from legionellosis contracted from potting mix he handled without a mask.
Lionel Covington, 83, died suddenly following a cardiac arrest after contracting legionellosis from exposure to potting mix.
“He was the most protective dad you could ever have, he was just so beautiful,” daughter Rebekah Tottle said.
“We just couldn’t believe how quickly it took over.”
Legionellosis is a collective term for lung infections caused by legionella bacteria, which is found in soil, potting mixes, compost heaps and water.
Infection can occur when the bacteria is breathed in or transmitted from the hands to the mouth after handling contaminated soil.
Ms Tottle said on October 16, her “extremely fit” father returned from his daily 20km ride saying he didn’t feel “quite right”.
His condition worsened and five days later he was taken to hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma.
He died on October 25.
“In the matter of an hour, we had gone from him talking to us, to him not even being able to breathe,” Ms Tottle said.
“On day two, doctors confirmed it was legionella from the potting mix.”
Mr Covington spent five days in the ICU and died on October 25.
“We were so naive – we thought he’d get antibiotics and be home in a few days,” she said.
Ms Tottle estimated her dad had been exposed to the potting mix about one-and-a-half weeks before becoming ill.
She is now urging people to follow the directions provided on potting mix bags.
“If you use potting mix, wear a mask … that small step could save your life and spare your family heartbreak,” Ms Tottle said.
“I don’t think (dad) realised the seriousness of it.
“He is not the first, and sadly, he won’t be the last.
“If sharing this helps even one person avoid what we’ve been through, then dad’s story will make a difference.”
Mr Covington moved to Cairns with wife Sandy in 2012 from Wollongong.
Apart from being an avid cyclist, Mr Covington was “always doing something in the backyard”, Ms Tottle said, and especially enjoyed decorating the house with Christmas lights during the festive season.
“Dad was freaking awesome,” she said.
“He had a great sense of humour – he was just such a good egg.”
Ms Tottle praised the care her dad received at Cairns Hospital, saying it was “absolutely phenomenal”.
“They answered every question without judgment … nothing was ever a problem,” she said.
This year, the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has recorded seven cases of legionellosis, with 166 cases reported statewide.
A Queensland Health spokeswoman said most people don’t get sick from legionellosis.
“People with underlying medical conditions, weakened immune systems, smokers and those aged over 50 years are most at risk for developing serious illness associated with infection with the bacteria,” the spokeswoman said.
Of the 696 legionellosis cases reported to Queensland Health between January 1, 2020 and November 16, 2025, 43 per cent of people were aged 70 and older.
The wet season can increase the risk of exposure to the bacteria, as heavy rain and flooding can disturb soil and potting mixes.
Bacteria can be removed from the hands by washing them.
To reduce risk of exposure, Queensland Health recommends:
• Following manufacturer’s warnings on potting mix labels.
• Wetting the potting mix to reduce dust.
• Opening bags of potting mixes in well-ventilated spaces.
• Wearing gloves and a mask when handling potting mix.
• Washing your hands after handling potting mix or soil, even if gloves were worn.
• Storing bags of potting mix in a cool dry place.
Originally published as Family's heartbreak as fit 83-year-old cyclist dies after handling potting mix
