Kingaroy: Loving dad Colin Watson killed in an alleged hit-and-run while out on his morning walk getting milk
A loving father-of-two killed in an alleged hit and run has been remembered by his heartbroken family as ‘a good bloke’ with a kind heart.
Colin Watson, 36, was on a pre-dawn walk to get milk about 5am on Tuesday in Kingaroy in Queensland’s South Burnett region when he was allegedly struck from behind by a black Mercedes which then fled the scene.
Mr Watson suffered traumatic injuries and died at the scene, which was several hundred metres away from his home.
Another man, 27, believed to have been walking with Mr Watson at the time was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Police later located a Mercedes at an address in nearby Taabinga, where they arrested a man, 30. No charges have yet been laid.
His aunt Pauline Donohue fought back tears as she revealed Mr Watson had gone out to get milk.
‘I was just waking up at 5am and because we all wanted coffee and there was no milk, Col and his mate said they’d go down the shop and get some and he never came bac.’ she told Nine News.
She admitted her nephew was no angel.
Colin Watson, 36, died after being struck by a car in Kingaroy, Queensland , at 5am on Tuesday
Police spent much of Tuesday at the scene of the alleged hit-and-run
‘But he had a big heart. He was a good mate,’ Ms Donohue added.
‘He’d help anyone out if they needed a hand, they’d just come get him or ask him and he’d be there.’
Police have launched an investigation into Ms Watson’s ‘absolutely tragic’ death.
Police are yet to rule out speed as a possible factor.
It’s not known whether Mr Watson and the alleged driver were known to each other.
‘We are keeping an open mind at this point in respect to how it occurred,’ Inspector Scott Stahlhut told reporters.
‘There is nothing to suggest at this point that was a factor but certainly the manner of driving is a major consideration of what we are looking at right now.’
Detectives and forensic investigators spent much of the day at the scene inspecting debris.
‘Evidence has been collected from the scene and we do have the vehicle in question which will be further examined,’ Inspector Stalhut said.
Colin Watson has been remembered as a ‘good mate’ who would always help anybody
Ms Watson’s death has rocked the community.
‘Oh my god that is so sad. That was probably his daily walk too. That’s the last thing you ever think would happen when exercising. His poor family,’ one local told the Courier Mail.
The mayor of South Burnett, Kathy Duff said the death was an ‘absolute tragedy’ as she passed her condolences to the family.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
