Kathleen Dennis dies in Imbil car crash

While her son clings to life in the Royal Brisbane Hospital, a beloved mum is being mourned by the community where she and her large, tight-knit family made their home.

The Gympie and wider community lost an “amazing woman” when Kathleen Dennis died in a tragic crash in the Mary Valley on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.

The 56-year-old Brooloo mum died in a head-on collision on the Kandanga Imbil Rd and her 17-year-old son Luke Dennis was cut free of the wreckage before being airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Luke remained in a critical but stable condition on Friday.

Her husband Steve Dennis is a well known veterinarian in the Gympie and Mary Valley areas.

Linda Letheby shared a tribute on Facebook to her “beautiful friend”.

“What a big heart she had, always generous and community focused,” she said in a comment.

“[Kathleen] fun, loving, inspiring and super talented.”

Kathleen Dennis died when the car she and her son Luke were travelling in, was involved in a head-on collision on the Kandanga Imbil Road on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.

Roselen Flynn also posted with “sincerest and heartfelt condolences” and praying for Luke’s recovery.

“I’m shocked and saddened at the news,” Ms Flynn said.

“She was such a lovely, lovely lady and we had become friends as we sang together on Tuesdays.”

Ms Letheby also put up a post following the night of the accident.

“Kathleen will be dearly missed as you become an angel in our skies last night,” the post said.

“You taught the true meaning of community strength and spirit with your commitment to community … and the love and generosity to all that knew you.”

Linda Letheby shared a tribute to Kathleen Dennis (second from left) in a Facebook post.

Ms Letheby said in the post Mrs Dennis was dedicated to nature, natural health and learning and art therapies and had a love for music, dance and open mic.

Kathleen and Steve Dennis.

Other community member expressed their sorrow and shock.

“I am devastated at the loss of Kathleen,” Jan Arnold said.

“She was such a bright light.”

“Dearly will miss her,” Kylie Myrrh said.

“I was so shocked and saddened by this news yesterday,” Katerina Cosgrove said.

(Luke) Dennis received a severe head injury and an upper chest injury in the Wednesday crash.

A 41-year-old Laidley Heights woman with moderate injuries to her ankle and the right side of her chest was transported to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

A p-plater died in a crash with a large truck near Gympie and Maryborough only two days later.