Tributes pour for Josh Taylor after he was buried alive in Bribie Island accident

Tributes have begun to pour in for the young man who was buried alive on Bribie Island after his family made the difficult decision to turn off his life support five days after the accident.

Josh Taylor, 25, was left fighting for his life after he fell into a hole at the popular tourist destination on Saturday December 2.

He became trapped under 1.5 metres of sand as his friends and family tried desperately to dig him out. They provided emergency resuscitation until he was flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

On Thursday, Mr Taylor’s family confirmed he had died.

In an emotional statement, they said Josh’s injuries were “too severe” to overcome and his life support was turned off.

“He fought as hard as he could and is the most courageous person we will ever know,” the family wrote.

“He was the best son, brother, boyfriend and mate we could all have wished for.

“We love you Josh and will miss you every minute of every day.

“Goodbye mate, until we see each other again.”

After the tragic announcement, The Gap State High School in Queensland shared a heartfelt tribute to Mr Taylor, who was a former student.

“Our community today is mourning the loss of 2017 graduate Josh Taylor and we are deeply saddened by his sudden departure,” the school said in a statement posted online.

“Our thoughts are with Josh’s family. May they find strength and solace in the memories of the wonderful person he was.

“We come together to support one another as we mourn the loss of a bright soul.

“We will remember with love and celebrate the impact Josh had on those around him.”

The Queensland Arboricultural Association also shared a heartfelt tribute to their much-loved colleague.

“With heavy hearts, we reach out to you today. Our arboriculture community is in mourning following the tragic loss of one of our own, Josh Taylor, a young, passionate apprentice climbing arborist whose journey was cut short by a devastating accident on Bribie Island.

“Josh was more than an apprentice at Ecological Tree Services; he was the heart and soul of our team.

“His love for trees, dedication to the craft, and infectious smile made every day brighter.

“His loss is not just a personal tragedy for his family and friends but a profound loss for our entire community.”

The Wests Old Boys Football club also paid tribute to Mr Taylor after posting regular updates on his condition in hospital throughout the week.

“With a heavy heart and the deepest sadness … Josh passed away peacefully today with his family by his side,” they wrote to their Facebook followers on Thursday.

Fifteen men were required to pull Mr Taylor out of the pit, which had been dug to roast a pig.

Queensland Police have confirmed they are still investigating the circumstances around the incident and “believe there may be numerous people who were present and are yet to speak with police”.

“Officers are appealing to those people, as well as anyone who may have dash-camera footage from the northern end of Bribie Island on Saturday to come forward,” a spokesperson said.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

It was about 40 minutes before his pulse returned after emergency services and family members performed CPR.

Mr Taylor remained in a critical condition in hospital for several days.

The Taylor family had only recently spoken of the “incredibly challenging journey” they faced in the hopes Josh would recover.

Josh’s uncle, Barry Taylor, said outside the hospital on Wednesday his nephew was “fighting hard” to stay alive.

“We’re devastated — it’s really been hard for us to comprehend what’s happened to Josh,” he said.

In a GoFundMe organiser Georgia Hoffman wrote: “The unimaginable has happened to their beloved son, Josh, a vibrant and adventurous soul who has brought so much joy to those around him.”

The campaign raised more than $60,000 for the family before Mr Taylor’s death.