Aussie firefighter killed in Bali bike crash remembered as life of the party
A Melbourne firefighter who died in Bali after his motorcycle collided with a garbage truck, has been remembered as a charismatic world traveller who 'lived life to the fullest'.
Tributes from across Australia and the globe have flooded in on social media to celebrate the life of Adrian Newton, 42, known as a charismatic thrill seeker who loved to travel and lived for extreme sports.
Mr Newton, or ‘Newts’ to his mates, was on his way from the popular Bali tourist spot of Kuta to Sanur in the early hours of Tuesday morning, when his motorbike collided with a garbage truck as it was attempting to do a U-turn.
He suffered open wounds to his cheek, chin and forehead, and died at the scene, Denpasar Traffic Police Chief Nyoman Nuryana told reporters.
The Sanglah Hospital reported he suffered a fracture to his jaw, a broken wrist and bruising to his abdomen.
United Firefighters Union national secretary Peter Marshall said Mr Newton’s death would affect many within the tight-knit firefighting community.
"Station officer Adrian Newton was a highly regarded officer with specialist rescue qualifications.
“He served Victoria as a career firefighter in the CFA for three years and in the MFB for 19 years, and also as a recruit instructor," Mr Marshall said in a statement on Tuesday night.
"Firefighters are a tight-knit team, and his loss will impact on many who have known and worked with him. Our deepest condolences to his family."
Police say they have taken the driver of the garbage truck in for questioning and have reported the matter to the Australian consulate.
His loss has made a dent in the lives of those who will miss his energy and vicarious attitude.
“Today MFB and CFA firefighters mourn the loss of Station Officer Adrian Newton who passed away whilst on holidays in Bali,” Melbourne fire fightergroup Facebook group Protect The Protectors wrote on Tuesday.
“An avid snow boarder, surfer and thrill seeker, Adrian lived life to the fullest and will be sorely missed by his family, friends and work colleagues.”
Firefighter Randy V. Yardumian of Pennsylvania, said Mr Newton spent the day riding with his fire department in November, 2009 while on holidays.
“Newts was visiting here in the US and myself and several of my mates arranged ridealongs for him in Philadelphia, New York City and several other places. His death is being felt here as well and we grieve alongside you,” he wrote in response to the Protect the Protectors comment.
His buddies recall shenanigans while travelling with him on surfing and snowboarding trips across the globe.
YouTube footage has surfaced of Mr Newton singing karaoke while standing on a bar and swinging from the rafters, while holidaying on The Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, in October 2014.
His ankle can be seen strapped due to years of extreme sports, but his mates say he never let an injury get in the way of doing what he loved.
Owner of CrossFit St Kilda Lochie Jeffrey told Yahoo7 Adrian trained there for about 10 months, about two years ago, and was remembered as a man who had “a lot of energy”, and enjoyed travelling and all kinds of sports.
“He was always about doing stuff.
“He came to us with a beaten up body from years of motocross, snowboarding and surfing, but even with all of his injuries he was 100 per cent always in and great fun to train with.”
He said Adrain’s death was “a bad way to go” and a reminder to “live life to the fullest, live it true to yourself and live it with passion and integrity”.
Melbourne firefighter Terry Reining also noted Mr Newton’s loss would be felt.
“I'd like to say RIP Adrian Newton but I think keep chargen's more appropriate,” he wrote on Facebook.
“In the words of a great bloke #nevergrowup big loss to the MFB.”
Former Victorian man Alistair Mitchell said the death of man who “lived life to the fullest” was a reminder to live in the moment.
“Don't let life's buffet pass you by without getting a taste of everything,” he said on Facebook.
“I say this as a tribute to Adrian Newton "Newts" "Noodles" the man lived life and enjoyed every second he had on this planet.
“Everyone who has met Adrian is better for the experience and will never forget him and his ferocious appetite for adventure and fun.”
