The rodeo community has been left grieving the loss of a two-time Australian Bareback Champion.
Matthew Makinson, 31, was killed at Mountain Creek early on Friday morning after his crashed vehicle was found by a passing motorist in vegetation beside a Sunshine Coast motorway onramp.
Early investigations indicate the vehicle may have crashed some hours earlier.
Mr Makinson leaves behind his pregnant partner Charlotte and young daughter.
Well-known rodeo stock contractors Gill Bros Rodeo Company said yesterday was "one of the saddest days".
"From a kid Matty became part of our family and will always be family," a statement on Facebook said.
"Two weeks ago he was with us at the Sydney Royal Easter Show doing what he loved most, riding bareback broncs and putting on a show that only Matty Makinson could.
"We will miss you mate but we'll never forget you.
"The greatest bareback rider this country has produced."
In a statement Australian Professional Rodeo Association sent their condolences to Mr Makinson's family, friends and loved ones.
"From his first ride as a teenager, through to his last ride at the recent Sydney Royal Easter Show Wrangler Federation Rodeo Challenge, where he brought 30,000 people to their feet, he was a talented, determined and passionate cowboy," a statement read.
Investigators are appealing to any motorists who were travelling east on the Sunshine Motorway at the Mountain Creek interchange taking the northbound exit to travel towards Noosa between 12.45am-1.05am to come forward with dash cam footage.
Want daily news highlights delivered to your inbox? Sign up to the Queensland Country Life newsletter below.
Lucy Kinbacher
Raised on a cattle property at Biggenden, Lucy Kinbacher has spent 10 years working across metropolitan, regional and rural publications in both Queensland and NSW. Lucy has been the editor of the Queensland Country Life and North Queensland Register since 2021.
Raised on a cattle property at Biggenden, Lucy Kinbacher has spent 10 years working across metropolitan, regional and rural publications in both Queensland and NSW. Lucy has been the editor of the Queensland Country Life and North Queensland Register since 2021.
