Graeme ‘Dusty’ Brown: Hundreds of tributes flow for ‘Pilbara legend’ who died in Marble Bar truck accident

Hundreds of tributes are flowing for a “Pilbara legend’” who died after he crashed his truck near Marble Bar. Graeme Brown, known to locals as “Dusty”’, died after his heavy recovery vehicle — which was towing a garbage truck — veered off Great Northern Highway and rolled near the East Pilbara town shortly after 10am on Tuesday. The 75-year-old died at the scene. Mr Brown’s death has caused heartache across the region, with hundreds of tributes on social media for the man locals described as a “true legend” with a “heart of gold”. It is understood he worked as a tow truck driver in Newman and was well known for saving travellers from various predicaments and towing them out of trouble. Swan Towing Service posted on social media, saying they were left “shattered” to hear of the heart-wrenching news. “It is with immense sadness that we advise of the passing of the one and only Graeme (Dusty) Brown,” the post said. “Dusty was a loyal, bloody hard-working driver, nothing was too hard or too much trouble. He was a true Pilbara legend. “Our sincere heartfelt condolences to Dusty’s family and the many people that called him their friend. Dusty touched the lives of so many in the Pilbara and beyond. “RIP Dusty, you will be truly missed by so many.”Newman’s Hillview Speedway also posted a tribute on social media. “Vale to Dusty,” the club wrote. “The Hillview Speedway Club are saddened to hear of the passing of Graeme ‘Dusty’ Brown. “Brown attended every meeting, whether on board his four-wheeler slinging dirt or just around the track. Dusty was one in a million, never shy of a conversation or a laugh. “From everyone at the Hillview Speedway Club and no doubt the town of Newman, we share our condolences to the Brown family and everyone he touched.” Hundreds of others also posted on social media, with tributes describing the 75-year-old as a “true character of the outback” who had “true grit” and who would go out of his way to help others. Many mourners posted about how they would remember him forever and would miss seeing his “dinner updates”. The 75-year-old would post wholesome dinner videos and recipes on social media. “I’m a Newman worker and Dusty was a great guy and a true legend in the Pilbara, he just helped us out the other week and was professional and nothing was too hard. This has rocked us all,” one wrote. Another said: “RIP we have lost a true gentleman.” Mining and Pastoral Region MLC member Peter Foster also shared his condolences. Police are appealing for information regarding the crash. Anyone who saw the tow truck before the crash is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online here. Dash-cam or mobile phone vision relating to this crash can uploaded directly to investigators via this link. If you or anyone you know has been affected by a road crash, contact Road Trauma Support WA on 1300 004 814.