A paraglider who died in a freak accident has been identified as his father as tributes pour in for the “absolute legend”.
Shane Ruhl, 37, crashed his paraglider into a meadow near the intersection of Kennys Lane and Rossmoyne Road in Colac, southern Victoria, at 9am on Sunday.
The cause of the accident has not yet been revealed, but photographs from the scene show that Mr. Ruhl’s paraglider was severely damaged.
Emergency services performed CPR on Mr Ruhl, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The devoted father had worked as a truck driver for Layanda Transport since January 2022.
Shane Ruhl (pictured) died in a paragliding incident in southern Victoria on Sunday morning.
The cause of the accident has not yet been revealed, but photos from the scene show that Mr Ruhl’s paraglider (pictured) was severely damaged.
Ruhl’s bosses paid a moving tribute to him on Sunday night.
“We write this post with a heavy heart,” they said.
‘Sadly we lost one of our own in a plane crash this morning.
“Shane Ruhl was a family man, a friend, the best employee a company could ask for, an absolute legend of his own making.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends as we all mourn a much-loved father, son and colleague.”
Dozens of Mr. Ruhl’s friends and co-workers expressed their condolences.
Ruhl (pictured center) has been remembered as a “ripper guy,” a devoted father and a hard-working truck driver.
Paramedics attempted to perform CPR on Mr Ruhl, but he was pronounced dead at the scene (pictured).
‘One of a kind. His passing will be a great loss to everyone who knew him,” one person wrote.
‘What devastating news. He was a great guy to work with. He will definitely be missed in the industry. Our deepest condolences to his family,” said another.
“An absolute tragedy, a ripper guy and an excellent operator,” wrote another.
‘Rest in peace mate. I had the pleasure of meeting you several times last year. He was a great guy,” said a fourth.
The Sport Aviation Federation of Australia, the Australian body for hang gliding, paragliding and ultralight aircraft, is investigating the accident.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau does not typically investigate fatal incidents involving sports aviation equipment.
Mr. Ruhl (pictured right, in front of his truck) worked as a truck driver for Layanda Transport since January 2022.
The Sport Aviation Federation of Australia, the Australian body for hang gliding, paragliding and ultralight aircraft, is investigating the accident (pictured).
However, the ATSB is expected to provide assistance with investigations.
Victoria Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Anyone with information or insight into the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
