EXCLUSIVE
The grieving parents of a mother-of-three who died in a fatal night-time lawnmower incident say her RAAF pilot son-in-law has been left heartbroken by the tragedy.
Frances Crawford, aged in her 40s, was found dead at her home on Thomas Road in Upper Lockyer, south-east Queensland, at 3.40am on Tuesday.
Her body was found after police were called to the property following reports she had been crushed by a lawnmower.
Speaking to the Daily Mail Australia on Thursday, Crawford’s parents Joke and Ben Pilon said their son-in-law Robert was devastated by his wife’s death.
They dismissed local reports that police had previously been contacted due to domestic violence issues at the home.
“It’s broken,” Ms. Pilon said.
“They lived here together and happily. These are rumors.”
The Pilons said their daughter, a psychologist, grew up in the local Toowoomba area and the community was left in shock following her death.
Frances Crawford, aged in her 40s (pictured), was found dead at her home on Thomas Road in Upper Lockyer, near Toowoomba in south-east Queensland, at about 3.40am on Tuesday.
A police vehicle is seen on the rural property Thursday morning.
One of the vehicles included a police officer in an unmarked van.
Mrs. Crawford leaves behind her husband, three children, her parents and siblings.
Her parents spoke out after detectives carried out a massive raid on the rural property on Thursday morning as investigations into the death continue.
Nine police cars were seen arriving at the property, which is situated in woodland at the end of a 1km-long access road.
The vehicles included two forensic vans, detectives in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, a pickup truck filled with forensic supplies, two patrol vehicles and uniformed officers in an unmarked car.
The Pilons said police have been searching the home, which remains a crime scene, and that Crawford has been asked to temporarily vacate the property amid the investigation.
Despite a huge police presence at the couple’s home, detectives have yet to confirm how Ms Crawford’s death is being handled.
Mr Crawford is an RAAF cargo pilot and squadron leader (a senior position and the equivalent of a major in the military) operating from the Royal Australian Air Force base at Amberley, about 8km south-west of Ipswich.
Over the past two decades the couple have lived across Australia, including in Sydney, Adelaide and Queensland, while Sqn Ldr Crawford served in numerous roles within the Australian Defence Force.
Husband Robert Crawford (pictured) is a squadron leader (a senior position and the equivalent of a major in the military) operating out of Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley.
Detectives spent Tuesday collecting evidence from the home (including the lawnmower, pictured), which has now been declared a crime scene.
Forensic equipment could be seen in one of the vehicles that arrived.
Tributes have begun to pour in for the respected psychologist, who has been remembered for her “gentle nature” and kindness.
Quality Life Psychology Services said she was “a much-loved and respected member” of its team.
“Frances always took the time to ask about others with kindness and consideration, often responding with humility and thoughtful humor,” the clinic said.
‘Frances was easy to be around and her gentle nature will be deeply missed, but she will long be remembered by her colleagues, friends and clients at Quality Life Psychology Services.
‘Our hearts and prayers are with the Frances family at this tragic time.’
