A father seriously injured in a horror three-car crash who has a long road to recovery will raise his surviving children alone after his partner and teenage son died in the collision.
Tracey Craig and her 13-year-old son Corey died after the Nissan Navara 4WD they were traveling in was wrecked in Raglan, between Gladstone and Rockhampton, central Queensland, on Tuesday night.
Police allege a truck driver hit the vehicle from behind, forcing the 4×4 into a Toyota HiLux.
Tracey’s partner Steven was also seriously injured and remains in intensive care.
Another of the couple’s sons, 15, also suffered head injuries and was taken to hospital.
TO GoFundMe The page started by Alesha Gibson had already raised more than $21,000.
“We are heartbroken to share the devastating news of the tragic loss of Tracey and her son Corey, who were taken from us in a car accident earlier this week,” the page reads.
“Losing a mother and her son is a pain no one should have to endure, and her family is struggling to cope with this sudden and heartbreaking loss.”
Corey Craig (left) and his mother Tracey (center) died in a horrific crash on Tuesday night. His partner Steven (right) was also seriously injured.
Mrs. Craig was remembered as an incredible, dedicated and loving mother.
“At just 13 years old, Corey had so much life ahead of him that his smile could light up any room and brought happiness to everyone around him,” the page states.
“His loss has left a void that will never be filled.”
Funds raised will help cover funeral expenses, help Steven with his recovery and support the couple’s two surviving children.
‘While she recovers, she is also looking after her other two children, Kai and Jayden, who are now without their mother and brother. The family desperately needs support during this unimaginable time.’
Corey attended Calliope State High School, which offers guidance and counseling for grieving students and staff.
The latest fatal crash has once again raised concerns about the state of Queensland’s Bruce Highway.
A Department for Education spokesperson told the Courier Mail that the school community was “deeply saddened” by what happened.
“Support is also being provided to students and staff, and academic counselors will remain at the school to provide support in any way they can and for as long as needed,” the spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.”
The truck driver, 30, has been charged over the accident.
Police allege he failed to slow down, hitting the Nissan Navara from behind and forcing it into a Toyota HiLux in front.
The driver of the Hilux and his passenger also suffered minor injuries.
Police say the Nissan Navara was traveling south on the Bruce Highway when it slowed down behind the Hilux, which was carrying a large load shortly after 11pm on Tuesday night.
A semi-trailer then everythingHe evidently crashed into the Navara, forcing it into the HiLux.
The driver of the truck has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death or serious bodily harm.
He will appear at Gladstone Magistrates Court on December 9.
“This accident has devastated one family and traumatized many others,” Acting Inspector Ben Wiltshire told the courier mail.
He regretted that this has been one of the worst years in terms of road deaths that the region has seen in years.
The Capricornia district road toll for 2024 amounts to 22 lives lost, nine more than last year’s toll.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the state government must do more about the Bruce Highway and promised to establish an advisory body by the end of the year.
“Every time an incident like this occurs in the Bruce, it sends regional communities into a real sense of despair, and our hopes and thoughts are with the families and with that community as well,” he said.