Truckie tragically killed just months after having first child
Tributes have begun rolling in for a new dad whose life was tragically cut short when his truck veered off a road at a Western Australian iron ore mine in the Pilbara.
Daniel Patterson and his wife Lauren had only been married just over a year, and welcomed their first child three months ago, when tragedy struck.
The 28-year-old was driving a Haulpak truck that veered off the road at Rio Tinto’s Channar iron ore mine in Paraburdoo, about 11pm Wednesday.
Close friend Russell Tyrrell described his mate as a “besotted father and an amazing, loving husband”.
“He was a friend to everyone. He touched so many people,” he told the West Australian.
“He was a besotted father and an amazing, loving husband. He was a friend to everyone.”
Mr Patterson was a member of the Cambridge Bowling Club and regarded as one of the state’s best bowls players.
Bowls WA chief executive Ken Pride said Mr Patterson’s death was a “massive” loss for the bowls community.
“There will be no one really who plays bowls in WA and doesn’t know him,” Mr Pride told the West Australian.
While Mr Patterson had won the state titles, Mr Pride said the bowls community would miss his personality more than his skills.
“Daniel was an energetic, outgoing, vibrant young man. He was just full of life. He really was one of those characters — when he walked into the room the place lit up.”
A spokesperson for Rio Tinto confirmed the workplace death at its Paraburdoo mine site, but could not provide further detail.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the person’s family and friends at their loss.
“The incident is being investigated by the relevant authorities, with our full support,” the spokesperson said.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.