Man, 50, who died in horror lawnmower accident was on the first day of his new job

The man killed in a horror lawnmower accident in Queensland has been identified as a father who had just started a new groundskeeping job.

Peter Hockey, 50, died when his ride-on mower crashed into a tree around 2pm on Monday at Preston Peak Winery, south of Toowoomba.

Paramedics arrived at the property on Preston Boundary Road however Hockey died at the scene.

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Hockey has been remembered by family as "genuine" and "free-spirited" in an online fundraiser launched after his death.

"The world lost one of the most genuine, generous, free-spirited and loving people, Peter Hockey," the fundraiser reads.

"Unfortunately, Pete was in a tragic accident, leaving his fiancée Jazz, and his children behind."

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A tribute shared to Facebook by friends described Hockey as a "rare soul who made life brighter just by being in it".

"Whether it was with a joke, a smile, or just being there when you needed him, Pete was the kind of mate you were lucky to have."

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Hockey was reportedly working his first day on the job as a groundskeeper at the winery when he was killed.

Preston Creek Winery owner Mark Osborne told The Chronicle that Hockey, who began working at the wedding venue on Monday, was "friends [with] a lot of the staff".

Queensland Police said a report will be prepared for the coroner.

"Police are assisting Workplace Health and Safety with their investigation," a police spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) said it is making inquiries into the incident.

Hockey's death follows two separate incidents involving lawnmowers this month, after two others were killed in Queensland.

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