Beaconsfield 'will always connect us': Fellow survivor pays tribute to Russell

Brant Webb has paid tribute to the man he was trapped underground with following a mine collapse 20 years ago, saying "we went through something together all those years ago that will always connect us".

Mr Webb was trapped underground with his former colleague, Todd Russell, when the Beaconsfield Gold Mine collapsed on Anzac Day in 2006.

Russell has died at the age of 54 from an undisclosed illness, days after returning home from hospital to be with his family.

"I'm very sorry to hear the news about Todd," Mr Webb said in a statement.

"My thoughts are with his kids and loved ones at this difficult time."

The pair had been working alongside each other when the mine collapsed, trapping them underground for 14 nights before being rescued.

Their colleague, Larry Knight, was killed by the collapse.

Mr Webb told ABC NewsRadio that even 20 years later he and Russell were "always bumping into each other".

"I work 100 metres from his house," he said.

"But the last eight months I sort of hadn't had much to do with him because he's been in hospital.

"But I did have a beer with Donna, his new wife, the other day … so that was good to bump into her and just sort of give her my condolences before it happened.

"She said, 'Well, you know, he won't be here for a long time.'

"But they always had a hope. And I think that's the biggest thing in Australia's history, our culture is that we always live on hope."

Russell is being remembered for his courage, resilience, and for "being a genuine bloke with a big personality".

One of Russell's friends, Andrew Burt, posted on social media: "Last night Australia lost a true Aussie legend."

"Todd wasn't just a husband, a dad or a community leader. To those of us lucky enough to have known him, he was so much more," Mr Burt wrote.

"He was a true-blue mate, a genuine bloke with a big personality, a cheeky side and a presence that you couldn't help but notice whenever he walked into a room.

"You were a survivor, a fighter who faced life's challenges and lived every moment on your own terms.

"Rest easy, old mate. It's hard to say goodbye to a bloke like you."

A dedicated volunteer firefighter

The father of three and keen footballer retired as chief of the Beaconsfield Fire Brigade this year.

"Todd dedicated his time and service to the brigade and the community, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by those who had the privilege of serving alongside him," the Beaconsfield Fire Brigade posted online.

"Rest in peace, Todd. Thank you for your service and dedication. You will be sadly missed."

The Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigades Association said in a statement: "Todd will be remembered for his commitment to those around him, the friendships he forged, and the positive impact he made to the community of Beaconsfield and the broader West Tamar."

"May the memories shared and the lives he touched bring comfort during this difficult time."

Last week, Russell posted to social media that he had no more fight left in him after eight and a half months in hospital, and he was returning home to see out his final days surrounded by family.

Russell 'grew up in Beaconsfield and just loved the town'

Barry Easther, who was West Tamar mayor at the time of the mine collapse, told 936 ABC Hobart that Todd loved Beaconsfield and would be missed.

"It's certainly a very sad time for his family and friends and the local community," Mr Easther said.

"Todd was well known in many areas, especially in the football area, I remember as a young father going along with my boys and playing mini league football with Todd.

"He grew up in Beaconsfield and just loved the town."

Reflecting on the mine collapse, Mr Easther said he remembered Russell's mother being very confident the two miners would be rescued.

"She knew he would be saved, she was so positive at the time,"

Mr Easther said.

"To be trapped underground, 900-odd metres under the surface in an area that was just opposite where his mum and dad lived … it was quite amazing."

Leaders pay tribute

In a post to social media, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the nation held its collective breath while rescuers went to work at Beaconsfield in 2006.

"We were shattered when news came through that Larry Knight had been found and tragically was no longer with us," he said.

"Then Brant and Todd were miraculously found, and the work began to extract them."

But he said Russell did not let the ordeal define him.

"He continued to serve proudly at the Beaconsfield Fire Brigade until February this year, an exemplary 31-year career of community service," Mr Rockliff wrote.

"He told his story, and became an advocate for mental health.

"And made the community around him a better place."

Deputy Premier Guy Barnett offered his sympathies to Russell's family and friends.

"As the government, we'll consider all the options in terms of paying respect and honour to Todd Russell for his resilience, his dedication, his support for his wonderful community," Mr Barnett said.

Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood said Todd Russell was a name forever etched into Tasmania's history.

"Todd showed incredible courage and resilience through the Beaconsfield mine disaster but his contribution went well beyond that," Councillor Garwood said.

"From decades of service as a volunteer firefighter to sharing his story and advocating for mental health, Todd continued to make a difference in the lives of others.