THE family of a Sunshine Coast man killed in a freak accident during an army exercise say he will be remembered as a “charming, happy, fun-loving young man”.

Trooper Stuart Reddan, 21, died when a tree branch fell on him while he was a passenger in an armoured personnel carrier at Shoalwater Bay Training Area near Rockhampton about 8:20am yesterday.

The Australian Defence Force confirmed fellow soldiers attempted CPR and paramedics were called but Trooper Reddan died at the scene.

media_camera Stuart Reddan died during an army training exercise near Rockhampton.

In a statement Trooper Reddan’s family said they were “unbelievably saddened by the loss of our son and brother”.

“He died doing what he loved. Stuart was very, very passionate about being a soldier and he loved every moment in the army and his mates,’ they said.

The family offered their “heartfelt thanks” to the soldiers who provided first aid to Stuart.

“We know you did your best to save him,” they said.

The former Mountain Creek State High School captain joined the army cadets aged 14.

media_camera Stuart Reddan was in an M-113 APC when the accident happened. (File picture)

Minister for Defence Marise Payne said she extended her deepest personal sympathies and those of the Government to Trooper Reddan’s family, friends and the ADF community.

“It is at times like this we are reminded of the great commitment that is asked of our servicemen and women and their families, and the cost that is borne by them, not only on the battlefield but also while undertaking the demanding training activities that prepare them for operational service,” she said.

Tributes earlier flowed on social media.

“Words cannot even comprehend the pain of losing a good friend,” Hannah Smith wrote.

“I just can’t believe it. Stuart Reddan, you were one in a million. Kind to everyone, put others before even thinking about yourself. I’ll forever cherish you walking me home so often and all the laughs we’d have along the way.”

“Today I had to say goodbye to my baby brother Stuart Reddan. I miss you like crazy bro and wish you were still here with me. Rest In Peace My Brother,” Tom Reddan wrote.

Georgia Riley described him as a “caring, gentle and honest man” who was living his dream in the Australian Defence Force.

media_camera Stuart Redden with his mother

EARLIER: An Australian Army soldier has died in Rockhampton this morning after being struck by a tree branch during a routine training exercise.

It is understood the soldier was an occupant in an M-113 armoured personnel carrier when he was struck by the branch about 8.20am.

He received immediate first aid at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and was treated by Queensland ambulance but was subsequently pronounced dead.

The soldier’s next of kin had been notified and were being supported by the army, according to an Australian Defence Force statement.

“The army and broader ADF community extends its deepest sympathies to the soldier’s family and friends. Defence will not be releasing any further information relating to the member’s personal or service history at this time,” a spokesman said.

No one else was injured.

Additional reporting Madura McCormack & Christie Anderson

The Queensland Police Service is investigating the accident and is expected to prepare a report for the Coroner. The ADF is assisting police in their inquiries.

It was the third similar incident in four days.

Two 22-year-old defence personnel were injured last night at the Townsville Field Training Area at High Range when their armoured vehicle hit a rock.

And on Monday night, three soldiers were injured in a separate incident when their APC crashed into a tree at High Range.