By HARRY CLARKE
THE devastated family of Chinchilla teenager Kurt Budden has confirmed the tragic news that the 16-year-old has died as a result of injuries suffered in a workplace accident in town last Friday, just a few weeks into his mechanical apprenticeship.
Kurt was airlifted to hospital in Brisbane about 2.30pm on Friday after becoming trapped between the tray of a truck and its chassis at the mechanics business on Taylor St where he worked.
He’d suffered severe head and chest injuries and was flown to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition.
Kurt’s father, Steve Budden, shared that tragic news online that his son had last night succumbed to his injuries. Kurt is survived by his parents, Steve and Sandra, and older siblings Brooke and Jackson.
“It is with the heaviest hearts that we need to say that last night Kurt Budden couldn’t win his fight,” Steve Budden wrote.
“We love you Kurt more than you ever imagined and that will live with us forever.
“Never in my wildest dreams would anyone imagine that their son could go to work on Friday morning and then never see him smile and talk again.”
A report about the circumstances of the fatal incident will be prepared for the coroner.
Friends paying tribute to Kurt Budden online have remembered him as a hardworking young man who enjoyed football, motorbikes and the outdoors.
“They say only the good die young, and while it doesn’t make it any easier for anyone, Kurt lived an incredible 16 years because of his generous, hard working parents,” one friend wrote.
“It’s been humbling to see the support our little community has given the Buddens, we know firsthand the comfort it brings to know everyone is behind you every step of the way.
“Rest in paradise Kurt, you’re so loved and you’re going to be so very missed.”
Another friend wrote: “Rest In Peace my little brother. Am very grateful to have such an amazing mate. Fly high mate. I love you”.
Another friend wrote: “Our mate Kurty, god only takes the best. No words in this world will describe how much your beautiful soul & your cheeky smile will be missed. Our hearts are broken for you, your Mum Dad Brother & Sister. Fly high darling boy, you will forever be young & forever be a football star up in that sky. We love ya buddy & will always think about you everyday.”
Hey Harry,
Would just like to say keep up the good work. I think on behalf of Chinchilla Its good to have a local reporting local news. You handle the current situation with the same respect and feeling as you would your own and not busting down doors and leading on false information. Merry Xmas