Flying Doctors involved in Rockhampton target shooting murder-suicide

Two men involved in a suspected murder-suicide at a target shooting property were employees of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Police have reported two men died and a third was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound to his arm after the afternoon took a deadly turn.

It is understood one of the deceased and the surviving man were employed by the Queensland branch of the service.

Police were called to the 50-acre property on Newell Road at The Caves near Rockhampton at 4.40pm yesterday, and found the bodies of the two men.

A registered long arm rifle was also found at the scene.

The men had been taking turns using the weapon to shoot at a single target.

The bodies have not yet been formally identified and forensic examination is continuing.

The surviving man reportedly told police the two deceased men were his close friends.

“All of us at the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) are deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of his terrible tragedy in Rockhampton,” a statement from CEO Nino Di Marco said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of those affected.

“We are providing our employees and their families with support and assistance to help during this difficult time.”

Detective Inspector Darren Shadlow said the matter was being treated as a murder-suicide, adding the surviving man was “very distressed”.

“I can say that they are close friends of his so obviously it is a very distressing time for him as well and for his family,” Insp Shadlow said.

“He has given us quite a considerable amount of information.”

He said the families of the men had been notified.