A grandmother who died in a horrific crash involving a car allegedly stolen by a teenager at gunpoint has been remembered for her kindness and devotion to her family.
Rosemary Franzidis, 69, died following a high-impact collision at an intersection north of Brisbane.
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter after being accused of stealing an Audi at gunpoint and crashing into Mrs Franzidis’s Toyota at Murrumba Downs on Thursday morning.
Her family said Franzidis would be deeply missed by her husband of nearly 50 years, her three daughters and her “three beautiful grandchildren.”
The 69-year-old will be fondly remembered by friends and family in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States, the family said.
“Rosemary Franzidis was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, who cherished her family more than anything in the world,” a family statement read.
‘A woman of strong faith, she had many friends from church who will remember her fondly.
“Everyone who knew Rose felt her love, kindness and generosity.”
Floral tributes have been laid at the crash site, with bouquets tied to a fence near the Murrumba Downs intersection.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli also paid tribute and promised to ensure tough youth crime laws are in place by Christmas.
Rosemary Franzidis, 69, died on Thursday after a high-impact collision with a 16-year-old boy in an allegedly stolen Audi at Murrumba Downs, north of Brisbane.
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter after being accused of stealing an Audi at gunpoint and crashing into Mrs Franzidis’s Toyota at Murrumba Downs on Thursday morning.
Crisafulli had campaigned hard against youth crime before winning the state election on October 26.
His Liberal National Party government said on Friday it had ordered the Department of Justice to start drafting laws to make Queensland safer, which will be presented to parliament at the end of November.
They include “adult crime, adult time” laws and the elimination of detention as a last resort for juvenile offenders.
The Premier said while the investigation into the fatal crash was in its early stages, news of what had unfolded would be “heartbreaking” for Queenslanders.
“A family is coming to terms with the loss of a loved one and the thoughts and prayers of an entire state are with them; they are owed answers,” he said in a statement.
Opposition leader and Murrumba MP Steven Miles said his community was hurt by the “terrible incident” and offered his support to the victim’s family before taking aim at the premier.
‘We have already seen David Crisafulli rush to politicize this tragedy. “I won’t do that, but this has affected my local community,” Mr Miles said.
Mrs Franzidis was trapped in the Toyota and died at the scene despite paramedics’ attempts to resuscitate her.
The Audi also reportedly crashed into an unmarked police vehicle at the intersection, hospitalizing two officers who were later released.
Police said a firearm was found in the Audi.
The 16-year-old was taken to the hospital and placed under police guard.
He was later charged with involuntary manslaughter, armed robbery and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, as well as two counts of assault resulting in bodily injury.
He was due to appear in Brisbane Youth Court on Friday.