TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Royal Marine from Tavistock who was killed in a mining accident in Australia last week, writes Sam Hughes.

Nathan Beesley, who moved to Australia with his wife and young children, was working in a mine on Tasmania’s West Coast while awaiting a transfer to the Australian Army.

Australian newspaper The Advocate reported that the 32-year-old died after falling from a considerable height at Grange Resources’ Savage River Mine on Friday, March 17. It reported that a spokesman from the Australian Workers Union said it was believed the contractor was undertaking scaling operations in the mine’s pit when he fell.

The couple’s family have set up a Gofundme fundraising website to help provide support to wife Katie and their two young sons.

The web page states: ‘An amazing father of two young beautiful boys, words cannot express the heartache. His dream for them was to make a life in Australia. A UK Royal Marine with two tours of Afghanistan, Nathaniel was taking other work to provide for his family, while awaiting transfer to the Australian Army when his life was cut short leaving an enormous void.

‘An incredible friend to many, his loss is devastating and we hope to raise funds to show our support to his young family and help in some small way through this terribly sad time.’

Short tributes by friends and family have been left on the web page.

One person wrote: ‘Bees was a great, genuine person who was much admired for his attitude and professionalism. My deepest sympathies go to Katie and his family.’

Another said: ‘That Sgt Beesley survived tours in Afghanistan and only left the Royal Marines in order to move to Australia to provide a better lifestyle for his wife and children, only to lose his life in an accident is truly heartbreaking. I sincerely hope that his loved wife and boys receive as much support and care as we can give them as they face a truly challenging future.’

Another said: ‘My heartfelt condolences to Katie and family. Top bloke, a privilege to serve alongside him. RIP.’

The website address if you can help is www.gofundme.com/loveandsupportKatie