'Hell of a way to go out': Man, 54, remembered as 'decent fella with a heart of gold' - after he was killed from falling into a WOODCHIPPER

  • Man, 54, died after becoming 'entangled' in a woodchipper in rural Queensland
  • Bruce Saunders remembered as a 'decent fella with a heart of gold' by friends 
  • He and friends were clearing bush when he got caught in the tree shedder  
  • The accident occurred about 7.40pm on Sunday evening local time

By DANIEL PIOTROWSKI, DEPUTY EDITOR, AUSTRALIA and PETER DEVLIN FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated:

A man killed in horrific circumstances when he fell into a woodchipper has been identified.

Family and friends have paid tribute to Bruce Saunders, 54, after he became trapped in the machine while feeding branches into it in rural Queensland on Sunday night. 

Described as a 'decent fella with a heart of gold' by friends, police said Mr Saunders died 'instantly' when he fell through the woodchipper.    

Remembered: Bruce Saunders, 54, died in the incident at a rural property in Goomboorian, north-west of the Sunshine Coast

Remembered: Bruce Saunders, 54, died in the incident at a rural property in Goomboorian, north-west of the Sunshine Coast

Queensland police said the 54-year-old died after becoming 'entangled' in the machine (scene pictured)

Queensland police said the 54-year-old died after becoming 'entangled' in the machine (scene pictured)

Two of his friends were believed to up the road when the incident occurred and fought to rescue him. 

But nothing could be done to save him. 

Police have reportedly said he died instantly. 

One friend said on Facebook: 'He was our mate and will be sadly missed.' 

A relative wrote online: 'It's a hell of a way to go out... such a terrible way to go.' 

At a press conference this week, Acting Inspector Paul Algie said the witnesses were 'extremely distressed over what's occurred'. 

'They're very traumatised as a result of what's happened and police are assisting them obviously in any way we can in terms of ongoing welfare needs.'

None of the men were contracted to do the job, but were helping the owner clear the property in Goomboorian, north-west of the Sunshine Coast. 

The Seven Network pictured the tree shredder  being taken away from the scene by investigators

The Seven Network pictured the tree shredder  being taken away from the scene by investigators

The horrific farming accident occurred at a residence in Goomboorian, near Gympie in Queensland 

The horrific farming accident occurred at a residence in Goomboorian, near Gympie in Queensland 

A/Insp Agie said: '(Mr Saunders) was placing a tree into a tree shredder, he's become entangled, the circumstances of which are now under investigation. 

'His friends discovered him as he became entangled and attempted to extract him from the shredders os they are obviously quite traumatised now.'

Paramedics confirmed they attended the scene at about 8pm but were unable to revive the man.

Investigators are examining how the shocking accident came about.  


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