A veteran from World War II died while he was traveling to a dawn service in Australia today.
According to his son Russell, 98-year-old John Atkinson from Port Broughton fell from his mobility scooter as he was making his way to the event.
An ambulance was immediately dispatched to attend to Mr Atkinson, but he died on the scene.
He was very eager to participate in the dawn service and lead the local march, his son said.
He joined the Royal Australian Air Force when he was 18 years old in September 1943.
During the Second World War, he was a transport driver stationed in various areas such as Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Sandra Owen, the president of the Port Broughton RSL, described Mr. Atkinson as a loyal and important part of the community.
He was known to serve coffee with rum in it during the gunfire breakfast, and he would often show up even though he was sick.
George Blair-Nicholas, a former president of the organization, noted that the community would never get over his death.
Atkinson was a well-known figure in the community, and he was active in his local organization until recently.
He was always cheerful and was one of those individuals who you would feel privileged to know, said George Blair-Nicholas.
The loss of such a prominent member has left a huge hole in the community, and it will never be filled.
Atkinson was a well-known individual in the community, and he was a friend to everyone.
The RSL of Australia expressed its condolences to his family and the other veterans in the country following his death.