Kiwi Father Crushed to Death in Brisbane Worksite Collapse, Stepson Survives

A New Zealand father has been killed in a devastating workplace accident in Brisbane, Australia, when a retaining wall collapsed on a construction site, trapping him and his teenage stepson beneath concrete debris.

Kimura Dixon, 45, was pronounced dead at the scene on Tuesday morning after the catastrophic collapse occurred at a worksite in Brisbane. Working alongside Dixon was his stepson Lucas (Rama) Pert, 19, who became trapped under concrete rubble but was rescued by colleagues and emergency workers after being pinned for over an hour. Pert was subsequently rushed to hospital for treatment of his injuries.

According to Queensland Police, eight workers were present at the site when the collapse happened. Both victims had been working in a shallow trench approximately 500-600mm deep when the retaining wall suddenly gave way. The incident has been declared a crime scene as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the structural failure.

The swift action of colleagues proved critical in saving Pert's life. Queensland Police Inspector Chris Pemberton acknowledged their heroic efforts, stating: "Six of those workers removed concrete from the injured man, and in doing so probably saved his life." Pemberton characterized the incident as a "tragic thing to happen so close to Christmas."

Dixon's family is now grieving the loss of a beloved father and partner. His partner, Katarina Bell, expressed her conflicting emotions to the Courier Mail, describing herself as "torn between gratefulness and unbelievable sorrow" following the accident. She elaborated on her feelings, writing: "While I'm so grateful and thankful my son made it out OK with nothing too serious, I am overwhelmed with disbelief, grief and massive waves of emotions."

Bell shared deeply personal reflections about the morning of the tragedy, revealing her heartbreak at the permanent loss. She wrote: "Kimura, you are the absolute love of my life I have no idea how I'm going to handle this new chapter without you? When you kissed me goodbye today I didn't think it would be the last kiss I'd ever get from you. I wish I hugged you a little bit longer before you left."

Dixon's daughter, Rheign Reedy-Dixon, spoke to media outlets about her father's character and devotion to his family. She described him as "the most caring and amazing father ever," emphasizing his commitment to providing for those he loved. She said: "He would've done anything if it meant he could come home to us. He filled rooms with laughter and especially love. I hope he wasn't scared and didn't suffer, I just wish we all could've said goodbye."

The family is now focused on repatriating Dixon's body to New Zealand. An online fundraising appeal has already gathered over $24,000 to cover the costs of transporting him home for a traditional funeral. The appeal organizers stated: "While we all are processing this devastating news, I ask if use can please make a small donation to be able to fly Kim home to New Zealand so he can be laid to rest. Kim was loved by so many and will be greatly missed."

Authorities have secured the worksite as a crime scene while engineers and investigators work to determine the precise causes of the wall collapse and whether safety protocols were properly followed. The investigation will examine structural integrity, site management, and compliance with Australian workplace safety regulations.

The tragedy strikes during the Christmas season, adding additional emotional weight to the loss experienced by the New Zealand community in Australia and Dixon's family back home.