Upper Lockyer lawnmower death: Police appeal for information into suspicious death of Frances Crawford

More information has been made public as police continue to investigate the suspicious death of a 49-year-old mother and psychologist Frances Crawford.

Detectives have confirmed that officers had previously attended the Upper Lockyer home of Frances Crawford in 2023 as investigations into the woman’s death continue.

The 49-year-old Toowoomba psychologist was found dead at her Thomas Rd home at about 3.40am on Tuesday after suffering critical injuries.

Southern Region Detective Superintendent George Marchesini revealed that Ms Crawford’s husband Robert Crawford phoned emergency services about 3am on Tuesday, allegedly after finding her injured.

Sadly Ms Crawford was dead by the time the police and paramedics arrived.

“Since that time we have not been able to determine a cause (of Ms Crawford’s death), hence why we have determined this matter to be suspicious,” Superintendent Marchesini said.

Superintendent Marchesini said Mr Crawford has been assisting police with their inquiries. There is no suggestion he is responsible for Ms Crawford’s death.

Police are investigating the suspicious death of a Frances Crawford (left) after the 49-year-old died at her Upper Lockyer home on July 30.

Superintendent Marchesini appealed for information from the public.

“If there is anyone who has knowledge of the woman or the family and they hear that information coming out this week, then we want to hear from them,” he said.

“This a tragic incident, it is an incident where our hearts do go out to the family, in particular the woman’s three children, the community, her workplace and the first responder that go to these types of jobs.”

Superintendent Marchesini said police had limited contact with the family prior to the tragedy, other than a call-out in July 2023.

“There was some action that was taken but there are no current domestic violence orders in place,” he said.

“In these sorts of matters, you certainly feel for the family in general, we’re not looking for any other person in regards to this matter, but we need to better understand the circumstances as to how this happened.”

Detective Superintendent George Marchesini addresses media in relation to the suspicious death of Upper Lockyer woman Frances Crawford, Friday, August 2, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Superintendent Marchesini declined to comment on what Ms Crawford’s suspected time of death was, other than to say she was last seen alive on Monday afternoon, and believed she had attended her place of work, Quality Life Psychology Services in Toowoomba, earlier that day. He also declined to comment on the specifics of her injuries.   

The brother of Ms Crawford has spoken of the devotion she had for others.

“Frances had a loving heart and she always saw the best in others,” David Pilon said.

“She cared deeply about the people around her and put their needs before her own. Her gentle grace and compassionate nature will be missed by everyone who knew her, but particularly by her family, her church family and her colleagues and clients.

“She loved Jesus and it is a great comfort to her family and friends that she is now at peace in heaven.

“While Frances was taken from her family far too soon, she touched the lives of so many people during her 49 years.

“A wonderful wife and mother to three fantastic children, a treasured daughter, sister and niece, a loyal and valued friend, and a professional psychologist whose caring nature and years of training allowed her to look after so many others during their time of need.”

Anyone with information about the matter is urged to phone Policelink on 131 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Upper Lockyer lawnmower death: Police appeal for information into suspicious death of Frances Crawford