The second soldier who died in a truck rollover in north Queensland earlier this week has been identified as Ryan Leslie, described by friends as "one of the most loved members of the Army".
The 40-year-old and fellow soldier Brendon Payne were travelling to Townsville from Brisbane for a training exercise when their heavy vehicle rolled on a public road near the Townsville Field Training Area, outside Dotswood.
The pair, who were members of the Brisbane-based 7th combat brigade, died at the scene.
Mr Leslie was a member of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Brisbane, where friends said he was "the heart of the workshop".
In a statement released by the Australian Defence Force, friends on his unit described him as a "larger-than-life character".
"A true leader and consummate professional who cared deeply for the soldiers both at 2/14 and at 7 Combat Service Support Battalion," the statement said.
"Ryan's endless energy, smile and wonderful sense of humour made him the heart of the workshop.
"His positive influence will be irreplaceable."
Mr Leslie had served in the Army for more than 22 years and had been deployed to East Timor and the Solomon Islands.
He has left behind his wife Tara, daughter Montana, his parents and a brother.
'He gave all to his work'
Craftsman Brendon Payne, 29, had served in the Army for nearly a year and a half and has been described by his friends in the unit as "the strongest bloke."
"He gave all to his work and would do anything to help his mates," the statement said.
"His cheeky smirk would come out all the time, and when it came out you had to smile back.
Mr Payne has left behind his wife Aimee, his parents Mark and Julie and siblings.
