A young father and environmental advocate has been remembered as a “beautiful soul” after he died in a tragic fall at Morialta Conservation Park, east of Adelaide.
Stephen Queen, 34, was hiking with a friend yesterday afternoon when he slipped from a cliff near Deep View Lookout and fell into a steep ravine. Paramedics rushed to the scene but were unable to save him.
His sister, Katherine Queen, shared her heartbreak, describing her brother as a man full of life, energy and compassion.
“No one can believe it. He was so young, so full of energy,” she told 9News. “Dad rang me and he said the police were at the house and there had been a terrible accident.”
It is understood Mr Queen had climbed over a barrier to collect a discarded plastic bottle when he lost his footing.
“He was passionate about climate, he was passionate about our society – of course he would be trying to get litter off the ground,” Ms Queen said.
Mr Queen is being remembered as a devoted father, brother and son with a gift for connecting with people from all walks of life.
“He could talk to anyone about anything. He wanted to learn about different cultures, and even about different coffees – he was so passionate about coffee,” his sister said.
Beyond his warmth and curiosity, Mr Queen had been driven by a deep desire to help the planet. He was close to completing his university degree in environmental science, with hopes of starting a career dedicated to protecting the environment for future generations.
“I want to make sure he had a lasting impact, because I know he would want that,” Ms Queen said.
Image: Nine News
