Mt Buller: Talae Rodden identified as man killed by fallen tree at ski resort as shattered family pay tribute
The aspiring young musician is being remembered as a ‘talented and much-loved young man.’
An aspiring Australian musician has been identified as the man killed in a horrific ski resort accident in Mount Buller on Monday.
Talae Rodden, 27, was crushed to death when the car he was travelling in with his mum, Sally Rodden, 64, was hit by a falling tree at the popular ski destination in northeast Victoria about 9.15am.
Emergency crews raced to the mountain but were unable to save Mr Rodden and he died of his injuries at the scene.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Ms Rodden sustained serious injuries to her upper body and was taken to Wangaratta Hospital for treatment.
A GoFundMe has been launched to help the family, who are “much-loved” members of the Mount Buller community and surrounding areas of Merrijig and Mansfield, manage the cost of Mr Rodden’s funeral and his mother’s recovery.
Set up by the University Ski Club USC, the fundraiser pays tribute to Mr Rodden, who is being remembered as a “talented and much-loved young man” whose death leaves a “hole in the communities he was so much a part of.”
“Sally, Cha and Jared were recently devastated by the heartbreaking loss of their son and brother Talae, following a tragic and completely unexpected accident on the Mount Buller Road,” the statement read.
“In a single moment, no family could ever imagine, Talae tragically lost his life and Sally was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
“There are simply no words to describe the shock and heartbreak felt by everyone who knows this beautiful family.
Talae was a talented and much-loved young man, cherished by his family, friends and so many people who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Mr Rodden, who performed under the name Ricewine, was an up-and-coming singer-songwriter based out of Melbourne.
His most popular song, Summer Spent, has accumulated more than 1.1 million views on YouTube.
Police are continuing to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.
Anyone who has information that could help officers with their ongoing investigation are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Reports can be made anonymously.
