Garth Prowd OAM has tragically passed following a cycling accident in Spain over the weekend.

Prowd, who was affectionately nicknamed “Mr Noosa” and the “Godfather of Australian triathlon”, launched and ran the Noosa Triathlon for over 30 years and was also the founder of USM Events.

He also previously ran the Noosa Jazz Festival and was involved in the Noosa Festival of Surfing and sat on the board of Tourism and Events Queensland.

In 2012, Prowd received Queensland Tourism’s highest accolade when he was awarded the Marie Watson Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.

“[We] are greatly saddened by the passing of Garth Prowd OAM – a great friend and mentor to many of us in Noosa, and in the worlds of tourism and sport,” Tourism Noosa said in a statement.

“Our lives, our town and our industry have been forever enriched thanks to his dedication and pioneering work that took him around Australia and the world.”

“His passion for sport and Noosa helped turn this event, which this year celebrates its 35th anniversary, into the world’s largest triathlon event and putting Noosa on the map as a sporting destination.”

After selling USM Events, Prowd continued to be highly sought after around Australia and the world as an event management consultant, and always shared his passion for Noosa with those he met.

“We at Tourism Noosa were privileged to work with him over many years, including his time on the Tourism Noosa Board, and more recently as a member of our Marketing and Events Committee where his great generosity with his time and knowledge and passion for Noosa was immeasurable”.

Prowd passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, his family revealed in a statement.

“While we mourn the loss of a truly remarkable man, we will remember his incredible life and his contribution to Australian sport.”

His family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, with further details on his funeral arrangements to be announced in coming weeks.