GAIL CARROLL/SUPPLIED
Paul Carroll had been on life support for a week following an accident in his driveway – since his death his organs have been donated.
A Kiwi businessman has died after an accident involving a letterbox on the driveway of his home in Australia.
Paul Carroll, 49, was driving his son, 11, and daughter, 9, home when his breathing was somehow restricted as he reached into the letterbox outside his Melbourne home.
Friend and colleague Tony Falkenstein told Stuff that Carroll had leaned out of the car window to reach for the mail in his letterbox, but the car suddenly jolted forward – trapping Carroll’s neck and inflicting head injuries.
Carroll was the CEO of Pure SEO in Victoria, and had previously worked for Just Water NZ.
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Falkenstein, who is the founder and CEO of Just Water, said he had known Carroll for more than 25 years.
KENT BLENCHYNDEN/STUFF
Just Water founder Tony Falkenstein had known Carroll for over 25 years.
“Paul had driven home with his kids and was stopped in the driveway and leaned out the window of his car to reach the mail in his letterbox when the car jolted forward.”
He added that Carroll’s neck had become trapped between the car and house, restricting his breathing.
The tragedy happened on his daughter’s birthday. Carroll was on life support in hospital before his death on June 2.
SUPPLIED
Paul Carroll, 49, died on June 2 after an accident outside his home.
“Paul was like a part of our family, he’s one of those people who everyone that meets him loves him – he was a man who was very passionate about his family and kids,” Falkenstein said.
Gail Carroll described her husband as “a very generous soul” who had donated his organs to others after his death.
“Paul was very passionate about organ donation and we are so proud he was able to do that.
“He was always thinking about his family – a real family man, he will be very sadly missed.”
According to his profile on the Pure SEO website, Carroll had over 25 years experience in sales and marketing and had moved to Australia from New Zealand in 2001.
His profile read: “Paul has a real passion for business, having been involved in two start-ups, he knows the pain and pleasure that comes with growing a business, Paul is married with two children and loves supporting his favourite rugby team, the All Blacks of course.”
Pure SEO founder and CEO for New Zealand, Richard Conway said Carroll had become a good friend of his over the past four years.
“We both had young children – he was a kind, gentle, and extremely optimistic man.
“He was also a natural introvert who did not like people making a fuss or being in the spotlight, he will be deeply missed.”
A funeral for Carroll would be held in Melbourne on Friday.