Promised Land, Tasmania: Kentish Walks founder Bastiaan (Basil) Kleynendorst dies from work-related tractor rollover

The North West bushwalking community is mourning the loss of a “selfless, rare gem” who died on the job following a freak tractor accident on Tuesday. TRIBUTES >

A man aged in his seventies has died following a tractor rollover at a commercial property at Promised Land, in Tasmania’s Kentish region. Picture: File

The North West bushwalking community is mourning the loss of a “selfless, rare gem” who died on the job following a freak tractor accident on Tuesday.

Bastiaan (Basil) Kleynendorst, aged in his 70s, died Tuesday afternoon after a tractor he was driving flipped on a commercial property at Promised Land, in the state’s North West.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene at 2pm, but could not revive him. He died at the scene.

Bastiaan (Basil) Kleynendorst died on Tuesday after a tractor rollover at Promised Land in the state's North West. Picture: Facebook

It comes as hundreds of tributes have been posted to bushwalking pages on Facebook, including the group he started, Kentish Walks.

Friend Lindsay Parker wrote on Wednesday night: “Very sad news. Bastiaan Kleynendorst, the creator and heart and soul of Kentish Walks, died in a tractor accident yesterday. He was working to help a friend at Promised Land and died instantly when the tractor he was driving rolled over. A tragedy for his family and friends and a great loss for the community.”

Launceston Ramblers Club president Linda McKenzie wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of our hard working friend and driving force of volunteer group Kentish Walks, Basil Kleynendorst.

“Over time, our club has enjoyed many of the walks maintained by Basil and his tireless crew in the Kentish area, including Minnow Falls, Badgers Ridgeline, Stoodley Arboretum, Mt Roland, Morgan Skyline, Jarmans Skyline, Montana and Winterbrook Falls.

“Basil was a selfless volunteer, whose work and commitment really benefited the wider walking community and we will feel his loss most keenly.

Hundreds of tributes have been written on Facebook for the keen bushwalker. Picture: Facebook

“On behalf of the LRC members, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Basil’s wife Maraea, his family, friends and volunteers of the Kentish Walks group. Thank you Basil for everything you have done for us.”

Nicole Dyble added: “This is terrible. My thoughts go out to his family.”

Beatrix Weustenfeld said Mr Kleynendorst “has done so much to promote the walks in the Sheffield/Kentish area.”

Lelu Zig said he was an “awesome, rare gem of a human being” and his death was “such a loss”.

Jane Winkler said his “presence, generosity, skills and drive will be missed” and “not forgotten”.

Susan Foster wrote: “My heart breaks for Basil’s family and all those who were lucky enough to spend time with him … loyal and tireless to the cause. And showed so many the Kentish world of walks and made them possible and accessible for us all to enjoy.

“What a warrior. Thank you Basil and may all of you who enjoyed his company always remember what he so generously gave.”

WorkSafe Tasmania attended the scene of the accident and are investigating in co-operation with police.

Man dies on the job following horror tractor rollover

May 30, 4.30pm: A man has died following a tractor rollover on a commercial property at Promised Land, in Tasmania’s North-West

Police and emergency services were called to the property at about 2pm, Tasmania Police said in a statement.

generic tractor photo

The man, aged in his seventies, died at the scene.

Follow @humidityreport

WorkSafe Tasmania is attending the site of the incident.

“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” a police spokeswoman said.

Promised Land is located in Tasmania’s Kentish region, southwest of Devonport.

More to come …