STAFF WRITERS
GIPPSLAND Motorcyclists Toy Run member Ian Wells died on Saturday, January 18 after his motorcycle is believed to have collided with a four-wheel drive in Jacob Creek near Rawson.
Emergency services were called to Tyers-Walhalla Road about 11.30am, but Mr Wells died at the scene.
One of the other male riders was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the occupants of the 4WD were taken to hospital for assessment. It’s understood the road was closed for several hours between Bluff and Cowwarr Rds after the collision.
Baw Baw Highway Patrol officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Anyone with information has been asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Red Knights Firefighters Motorcycle Club Chapter 19 (Latrobe Valley) President, Brian Soall paid tribute to Mr Wells on social media, and announced a GoFundMe to support the family.
“Ian was a real gentleman who supported the chapter in its role of supporting and giving back to the community. We lost one of its staunchest and most passionate supporters,” he said.
“Ian Wells, whilst riding with fellow Red Knights 19 Australia members on the Tyers-Walhalla Rd, was involved in a road crash and did not survive. This incident is all the more distressing as many of us, who were present at Ian and Kathleen’s wedding on the previous weekend, will know of the special love they shared.
“We are going to miss the eagerness and commitment that Ian showed towards supporting the Gippsland Motorcyclist Toy Run and his willingness to participate in the build-up period before the event; his support spanned many years.
“Whenever we needed to assemble a group of riders to show appreciation towards a business making a donation, the Red Knights were always there, and Ian was always part of the group. Just having him present on those occasions giving us encouragement and support meant a lot and inspired us to keep on going.
“The chapter, in supporting Kat, his wife and in conjunction with the family are needing to raise sufficient funds to be able to lay her husband, father, our brother and mate to rest.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing said Mr Wells was a man who was known and loved across the region.
“Ian was a cherished member of the Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run and always stepped up to raise funds, spread joy and give countless hours of his time to make sure that our littlest Gippslanders have presents to open on Christmas Day,” Ms Shing said.
Donations are being accepted via GoFundMe at: gofund.me/6b92027f
