Twenty-five-year-old Kurt was a well-respected ACT government media advisor and lived in Braddon, ACT, but frequented the district while his parents called Bombala home. 

Kurt had been touring South America with friends since early August, and was one of several tourists who died in the bus crash while travelling in south-west Bolivia. 

Kurt grew up in Canberra, attending Melrose High School and Canberra College, before studying at the University of Canberra. 

He went on to work for NSW politician Steve Whan and deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr as a media adviser. 

Kurt was well-respected by those who knew him and was considered an up-and-coming star in the Australian Labor Party. 

Mayor Bob Stewart said the whole Bombala community was in shock at the news of Kurt’s death and expressed his condolences to the Steel family. 

“Philip and Jayne have been important members of the Bombala community and it is a very tragic what has happened to young Kurt,” Cr Stewart said. 

“I think the whole community is grieving and are very shocked by his sudden death. 

“I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to meet Kurt, he was wonderful boy and had a promising career in politics ahead of him. 

“He will be missed.” 

Cr Stewart said he was certain the Steel family were in the thoughts of many Bombala residents during this sad time. 

“The entire community is thinking of the Steel family during this time,” he said. 

“Philip and his wife left the region earlier this year and during his time as principal of Bombala High School he did a tremendous job and we were saddened to see them leave the community. 

“Jayne is a wonderful person and the whole family were positive contributors to the Bombala community.” 

Philip and Jayne Steel lived in Bombala for five years and Philip left his role as principal because of illness. 

Bombala High School relieving principal Glen Warren sent a statement to the Bombala Times expressing the school’s condolences to the Steel family.

“The school’s thoughts are with our former principal Philip and his wife Jayne and their family at this time,” Mr Warren said. 

Jim Longden was the president of Bombala Rotary Club when the Steel family moved to the region and expressed his sympathy on behalf of the club.

“Philip and Jayne were both enthusiastic members of Rotary for the time they were in Bombala,” Mr Longden said. 

“The club is shocked to hear the news of Kurt and send our deepest condolences to the family.”