Mount Barker grandfather and Howard Park Wines manager Max Mollan killed in fight outside Plantagenet Hotel

A much-loved Mount Barker grandfather and wine industry stalwart has been identified as the man killed outside a pub in the Great Southern in the early hours of Saturday morning. Police say Max Mollan, 54, and his wife were socialising with a group of friends at the Plantagenet Hotel before the group moved their gathering to a motel room at the back of the pub. It is alleged the group was then approached by guests staying in the motel who were unhappy with the amount of noise they were making, when a fight broke out between Mr Mollan and another man just after 12.30am. Shortly after the altercation, Mr Mollan allegedly fell and hit his head. Bystanders immediately gave first aid and called police and emergency services — but by the time they arrived, Mr Mollan had died. A 46-year-old man involved in the altercation was taken into custody at the scene but has since been released. Mr Mollan, who managed a Howard Park vineyard in Porongurup, grew up in Mount Barker and was well-known and well-liked by people in the town. Mark Drage went to Primary School with Mr Mollan and was one of many locals who visited the scene on Sunday to pay tribute. “We started knowing each other a bit more when we were throwing darts together at 18 years of age, when we were allowed to go into pubs,” Mr Drage said. “He was in my darts team for 25 years.” Mr Drage described Mr Mollan as a “wine connoisseur” who loved spending time with his grandkids and playing golf. “He was a very, very good moral person,” Mr Drage said. “Just a harmless person that I still got along with and knew very well. “It’s something I never would have expected, so I’m just a bit numb at the moment.” Mr Drage’s partner, Linda Della-Franca described Mr Mollan as a “genuinely nice bloke” “It’s going to be a great loss for the community and the darts community,” Ms Della-Franca said. Shire of Plantagenet president Chris Pavlovich said Mr Mollan was well-known in the community and the local wine industry. “He went to school in Mt Barker, so I believe he’s been here most of his life,” Mr Pavlovich said. “In my recollection, he’s managed two major vineyard operations, one just west of town and more recently, one just east of town in the Porongurups. “So he’s been a professional that has assisted with growing premium wines in Mt Barker.” Mr Pavlovich said he sent his condolences to Mr Mollan’s family and described him as a “stalwart” of the local dart competition. “But apart from that, I think like most of us he just enjoyed the lifestyle in the Great Southern where we’ve got fishing and four-wheel driving and everything else.” Mr Pavlovich said he expected the small town would be “very, very upset” following the tragedy. “Certainly we’re somewhat sheltered from some of these more dramatic issues that you see in other places, so it will be a shock to the community.” Tributes from grief-stricken friends and family have also poured in for the “gentle and good man” on social media. “My heart goes out to you and your family, such a massive shock. Sending you all lots of love and strength,” posted one friend. “Thinking of you. This is so bloody sad. Sending my love and condolences to you and your family. I can’t believe it,” posted another. “Such a very sad loss of life. Deepest sympathy to you Di and all the family,” posted another friend. Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Fogell from the homicide squad said investigations into the incident were still ongoing but the cause of Mr Molan’s death was still unknown. “As part of our normal investigative actions, forensics have attended and completed a thorough investigation and forensic examination of the scene, including inside room two and the car park area immediately adjacent to where the incident occurred,” Sen. Sgt Fogell said. “We still have further forensic examinations to complete. “The deceased will be subject to a full medical examination including a post-mortem and we’ve still got witnesses to speak to. “I would say I would like to say if anyone has any information relevant to this offence if they could contact police we’d be very interested to speak to those people.” Anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a report online.