Fundraiser set up to support Vrbesic family following horror Australia Day crash at Ransome

The Queensland automotive community is rallying to support a Brisbane family who lost a father and son in a horror Australia Day crash in the city’s south.

Brisbane father Chris Vrbesic has been identified as the father who died alongside his four-year-old son in a crash at Ransome

The automotive community has rallied together to support a Brisbane family who lost a father and son in a horror Australia Day crash in the city’s south.

Chris Vrbesic and his four-year-old son Julian were killed in a crash at Ransome on Sunday, January 26. Mr Vrbesic was at the wheel of his classic, limited-edition Holden Commodore VK Brock sedan when the two-car crash occurred at the intersection of Rickertt Rd and Chelsea Rd, Ransome.

The Manly West man died at the scene, while Julian was taken to the Queensland Children’s Hospital, where he later died.

The Vrbesic family. Chris and Julian were killed in a crash at Ransome on Sunday, January 26. Photo: GoFundMe

Following the crash, there was an outpouring of support from the tight-knit automotive community, with tributes flowing from popular venues Joe’s Diner, Cafe Elle, the Seven of Clubs Mazda Car Club Qld, as well as friends and family.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has now been launched to support the Vrbesic family including mother Maria and her children Myla and Vinnie.

The GoFundMe fundraiser by Wednesday morning had raised more than $115,000 within less than 24 hours, with more than 600 donations made.

Flowers have been laid at the site of the Ransome crash.

Fundraiser organiser Brittany Claxton said they have lost “the provider for their family”.

“In order to relieve the financial burden in this unsettling time we are raising funds for Chris’ loving wife and Juju’s incredible Mama -Maria, who also leave behind Myla and Vinnie,” she said.

“Maria and the kids have lost their loving father and husband Chris, the provider for their family and also their beautiful four-year-old son/brother Julian, in a horrific car accident.”

The Vrbesic family in the pool. Photo: GoFundMe

Ms Claxton said Mr Vrbesic “brought people together” and was an “incredibly loving dad”.

“Chris inspired so many to live their life and follow their dreams -as he did,” she added.

“He brought people together with his passion for cars and cruising.

“If you had the privilege to know this man- you know he was an incredibly loving dad, supportive husband, loving son, grandson, big brother, and a friend to so many.

Police at the scene of a fatal accident at the intersection of Ricketts Rd and Chelsea Rd, Ransome, on Sunday. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“He was always smiling, cracking sarcastic jokes, and always lending a helping hand.

“The way he lived his life full of joy, passion and drive was admirable and we should all be inspired to live the same, in honour of him.”

Ms Claxton also paid tribute to Julian, describing him as an “old soul” who was “full of life”.

“Julian was so full of life and he loved his Tata so so much,” she said. “He was sure to remind us of his favourite person -Tata.

“The pair had an unbreakable bond and his mumma realised they were just destined to be together forever.

A teddy bear at the site of the Ransome crash.

“Juju was an old soul who had a knack for making any adult do exactly what he wanted.

“Even staring contests and telling you exactly what he thought of you and you better not dance to his song ‘Pump it up’ or else!

“Juju that cheeky grin and even cheekier laugh will stick with us all forever.

“It will be the light that guides us all. Our mad dog forever.”

Forensic Crash Unit investigations are ongoing into the cause of the crash and investigators have appealed for any witnesses, or anyone with relevant vision to contact police.

Originally published as Fundraiser set up to support Vrbesic family following horror Australia Day crash at Ransome