Final goodbye for mum of two Kristen Dowdell after fatal truck crash on Horrocks Highway

A heartbroken dad is now facing raising two young boys alone after a crash on a busy Adelaide highway claimed the life of their “one-of-a-kind” mum.

Willaston mum Kristen Dowdell, 39, with her partner Jesse. Kristen tragically died in hospital this month after she was involved in a crash with a truck on Horrocks Highway in Templers on April 23.

A heartbroken dad is now facing raising two young boys alone after a crash on a busy Adelaide highway claimed the life of their “one-of-a-kind” mum.

Kristen Dowdell, 39, tragically died in hospital after the car she was driving was involved in a devastating collision with a truck on Horrocks Highway last month.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at Templers just before 6pm on Wednesday, April 23, after a Holden sedan and a truck collided.

Ms Dowdell, from Willaston, was flown to hospital in a serious condition. But despite doctors’ best efforts, she sadly passed away 12 days later, on Monday, May 5.

She leaves behind her bereaved partner Jesse and their two little boys, aged just 5 and 7.

A fundraiser has been launched by her sister Nikki Dowdell to help support them in the wake of Kristen’s shock death.

“We are absolutely devastated,” Ms Dowdell wrote.

“She was truly one-of-a-kind and taken far, far too soon.”

Willaston mum Kristen Dowdell, 39, tragically died in hospital this month after she was involved in a crash with a truck on Horrocks Highway in Templers on April 23.

The fundraiser reveals the heartbreaking toll the tragedy has taken her young family.

“Jesse has exhausted all paid leave over the past month to be with Kristen while she was in hospital, coming to terms with her loss and organising her funeral,” Ms Dowdell wrote.

“Although he will return to work at a reduced capacity in future, he will be taking extended unpaid leave in coming months to finalise Kristen’s affairs and adjust to life as the sole parent of their two boys – while grieving the loss of his soulmate.”

The money raised will go towards covering household costs, helping the boys adjust, and easing some of the financial burden from Kristen’s funeral.

“Many of you have asked how you can support us going forward, and this is the most practical way to be of direct assistance to Jesse,” Ms Dowdell added.

“We thank you all for your kindness, love and compassion at this incredibly difficult time.”

Kristen’s family and friends gathered to say their final goodbyes at a funeral service at Centennial Park on Friday.

You can find out more information at the family’s GoFundMe here.