Remembering Bundaberg business leader Sonja Pressler-McHugh
The heartbroken mayor of a Queensland city has joined loved ones in paying tribute to her popular businesswoman cousin after her death in a crash which left her husband, daughter and son-in-law seriously hurt. LATEST.
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Bundaberg’s mayor has joined a chorus of tributes for popular Bundaberg businesswoman Sonja Pressler-McHugh as shocked loved ones share their grief and heartbreak in the wake of the 57-year-old’s car crash death.
It comes as three members of the same family remain in hospital.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mayor Helen Blackburn, Mrs Pressler-McHugh’s cousin, remembered the owner of McHugh Steel as “an indomitable personality” as well as “industrious, caring, intelligent”.
Mrs Pressler-McHugh was a passenger in a Mazda CX-8 involved in a two-vehicle collision on Fe Walker Street near Kalkie on Friday night.
She died at the scene.
Three others from the Mazda and the driver of the other car were taken to Bundaberg Hospital with serious injuries.
Those injured included her husband Robert McHugh, daughter Demi Pressler-McHugh, 28, son-in-law Sean Cars 3o who were all in a stable condition on Wednesday.
Incredibly, Mrs McHugh’s three-month-old grandchild, who was travelling with the family, was not hurt.
The crash, which happened about 8.20pm Friday, was the third fatal in three days in the region.
Ms Blackburn she was struggling to find the words to describe the loss.
“Sonja was an indomitable personality, industrious, caring, intelligent and considered in her dealings in business and with people,” Ms Blackburn said.
“As a cousin, she will be so very missed for she was such a large part of our family.
“A loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and recently grandmother.
“Her greatest achievements always involved her family.
“She recently told me becoming a grandmother was such a life changing event and she couldn’t believe how much love she felt for her gorgeous grandson.
“Her generosity of spirit will be missed by all who knew her and for me I know I will miss her wise counsel and caring phone calls.
“May she forever rest in peace.”
Sonja and her husband, Robert McHugh, established McHugh Steel, formerly Outback Sheds, in 1992.
Over the years, the business became a cornerstone of the local construction sector, earning a reputation for quality and personalised service.
Their commitment to flexibility in design, customer satisfaction, and maintaining a family-owned approach made McHugh Steel a trusted name across Queensland.
Her death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media, with many taking to Facebook to express their condolences.
Long-time friend Sue Steyn said Mrs Pressler-McHugh “was a force to be reckoned with”.
“I hope that with family, friends and colleagues she remains the same even in passing,” Ms Steyn said.
Michelle Williams called the tragedy a “sad and a huge loss to our community”.
“Thoughts are with the family, staff and friends at this terrible and devastating time,” she said.
Carolyn Holdsworth said it was a “tragic situation”.
“Hugs and prayers to the McHugh family their employees and anyone associated with them”.
Jesse Zielke said Mrs Pressler-McHugh’s “contribution to our local community cannot be measured, I can’t thank her enough for the support shown to my business and myself personally, going to miss her advice and chats.”
Investigations to the crash’s cause are ongoing.
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