THE wife of renowned rodeo cattle donor Brian King says her world has been shattered after he was killed in a freak truck accident on Saturday night.
Less than 24 hours after Mr King, 58, slipped and fell under his moving truck at the Woodford Showgrounds, his wife Kerri King paid tribute to her “soulmate” on Facebook.
Alongside a picture of the smiling grandfather, Ms King said her husband was a larger than life character with the softest heart.
“Kandiece (and) I have lost our soulmate and most loving father and grandfather ever to walk on this earth,” she said.
“He was the toughest and larger than life character with the softest heart, would always go above and beyond to help anyone in need. His passion was family and bulls.
“He loved all his family and always loved a family get together with his mother, brothers and his much loved sister, and all his nieces and nephews.
“Kandiece, Justin and I would like to thank everyone for your support. We are very devastated, so please understand if we don’t answer.”
It is understood Mr King, who owns BK Bucking Bulls at Mundubbera, had donated some of his cattle to a rodeo event held on the final night of the two-day Woodford Show.
According to Queensland Police, Mr King was reversing his truck and cattle trailer at the showgrounds about 9pm when he opened his door to step out, and stumbled.
He fell under the vehicle and was subsequently hit by the moving truck. Mr King passed away at the scene.
Woodford Show Society President Val Reichle said they were assisting police with their investigations and passed on their condolences to Mr King’s family.
Tributes continue to flow for the much-loved man on social media, including one from rider Lane Mellers.
“Extremely sad loss happened last night,” he said.
“Brian King, thank you for everything you have done for me. You were one of the wildest, funny and loving personalities I’ve ever been around growing up. You will be missed and we all love you!!”
Just a week earlier, Mr Mellers had become the only person to ride Mr King’s bull, Game On, who was heading into retirement unridden from 100 outings.
The National Rodeo Association Ltd. passed on their sincerest condolences to Mr King’s wife, Kerri, and daughter, Kandiece, on the sad passing.
“He will be missed by all,” a post on Facebook said.
2018 NRA Rodeo Queen Creedence Donoghue said: “He was a great contractor to the National Rodeo Association and will be dearly missed within the rodeo family and outside by the people who knew him,” she said on Facebook.
Robyn Maeyke said: “Condolences to the family of this well known and respected member of our community”.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner, with Workplace Health and Safety also investigating the matter.