- Olivier Caramin collapsed as he was picking watermelons in 30 degree heat
- He arrived in Ayr just three days before he died of suspected heatstroke
- The 27-year-old backpacker passed away 4.50am on Wednesday morning
A Belgian backpacker had been in North Queensland just three days before he died of suspected heatstroke while working on a fruit farm near Townsville.
Olivier Max Caramin collapsed as he was picking watermelons in 30 degree heat on Tuesday, and was taken to hospital around 5pm.
He was treated at Ayr Hospital before being transferred to Townsville Hospital where he passed away at 4.50am the next morning, aged 27.
Olivier Max Caramin (pictured) had been in North Queensland just three days before he died of suspected heatstroke while picking watermelons near Townsville
The backpacker was working in 30 degree heat before collapsing on Tuesday, and was taken to hospital around 5pm
A friend of Mr Caramin said he was a well-like popular man, describing him as a ‘good guy’, the Cairns Post reports.
An autopsy will be carried out to determine the exact cause of his death, but its believed soaring temperatures played a significant role.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death has reportedly been launched by Queensland’s Workplace Health and Safety body.
Detective Inspector Leonie Steyger said the man’s family have been contacted and issued a warning to other backpacking farm workers affected by heat.
A friend of Mr Caramin said he was a well-like popular man, describing him as a ‘good guy’
‘We encourage people to really take care of themselves and their mates, stay hydrated and be sun smart,’ she said.
Workers should drink up to eight litres of water a day to avoid dehydration, wear sunscreen, hats and long-sleeve shirts.
The mother of British backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung who was murdered in Home Hill in last year has been campaigning for reform in the backpacker tourism industry.
Rosie Ayliffe called for a thorough investigation into Mr Caramin’s death.
He was treated at Ayr Hospital (above, file photo) before being transferred to Townsville Hospital where he passed away at 4.50am Wednesday, aged 27