A horrific two-vehicle crash in Queensland’s Whitsundays region that killed a woman and her pregnant daughter has claimed another life.
Marvic Estrada, 60, and his pregnant daughter, Mary Joy Estrada Dela Cruz, 35, were in a Nissan Navara when it collided with a Toyota LandCruiser travelling in the opposite direction at Mount Marlow shortly after 1pm on August 11.
The two women, along with Ms Dela Cruz’s unborn baby, died in the accident in which their husbands were also injured.
The Landcruiser, driven by Mitch Kilner, was hit head-on by the Navara which slid into the lane during heavy rain, causing the car to fall off a bridge.
Kilner’s fiancée, Chloe Vandersteeg, and two other passengers were also in the Toyota.
Mr Kilner, from the Gold Coast, was taken to Townsville University Hospital in a critical condition but died from his injuries last Friday, almost a fortnight after the crash.
Friends have rallied around Ms Vandersteeg, who suffered a “significant” spinal injury,
TO GoFundMe A page has been set up to support her “difficult journey to recovery” as she mourns the loss of her beloved fiancé hundreds of miles from home.
Mitch Kilner, pictured left with his fiancée Chloe Vandersteeg, died 12 days after the accident.
Ms Vandersteeg (pictured) faces a “difficult road to recovery”
Fundraiser organisers Alethea Curtis and Ronald Sheather said the accident “has dramatically changed Chloe’s way of life”.
“Chloe is currently in hospital with significant spinal injuries and faces a long and painful road to recovery,” they wrote.
‘The terrible accident has left Chloe in a serious physical condition and with the unbearable reality of losing her future with her fiancé Mitch.’
Proceeds will go directly to Ms. Vandersteeg to help with medical expenses, travel, relocation and living costs, and emotional support and counseling.
Mitch Kilner is pictured with his dog Koda and his fiancée Chloe Vandersteeg (left), who suffered a spinal injury in the horrific crash.
Mitch and Chloe (pictured) lived on the Gold Coast but were originally from Wangaratta in regional Victoria.
More than $10,000 has been raised so far.
The proceeds also cover Ms Vandersteeg’s transfer from Townsville Hospital in Far North Queensland to Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast.
She and her Labrador Koda will then move to the couple’s hometown of Wangaratta in regional Victoria to be with her family and support her through rehabilitation.
Ms. Vandersteeg will require ongoing medical care, including further surgeries, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and will be unable to work during this time.
“Thank you for supporting Chloe as she faces the challenges ahead,” the page added.
“In honor of Mitchy, let’s make him proud and support his queen! Let’s support her and make sure she has the best and smoothest recovery possible.”
Marvic Estrada, 60 (right) and his pregnant daughter Mary Joy Estrada Dela Cruz, 35 (left) also died in the horrific crash at Mount Marlow on August 11.
Kilner’s former football team, Wangaratta Rovers, released a statement on social media expressing their condolences to his family.
‘A creative left-hander, he played 39 third-round games, 15 as a reserve and six as a senior before choosing to continue his career at Glenrowan,’ the club said.
A raffle at a club match helped raise donations for the fundraiser.
Mr Kilner’s death brings the number of road fatalities in the Mackay-Whitsundays region to 15 for 2024.
