Nine people killed on Wide Bay roads so far in 2022 | Full list
Queenslanders are being killed in car crashes at an alarming rate, with the start of 2022 the worst for driver and passenger fatalities in at least six years. Across the Wide Bay, the agony of lost loved ones resonates throughout our communities. *Warning: Distressing
Gympie
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Queenslanders are being killed in crashes at an alarming rate with the start of 2022 the worst for driver and passenger fatalities in at least six years.
Data released in late May from Transport and Main Roads revealed 108 people had died across the state this year to May 8, in road crashes which is 37.4 per cent higher than the previous five year average.
Drivers make for almost half of those deaths, with driver fatalities up 42.5 per cent on the previous five year average.
Across the Wide Bay, nine people have been killed in car accidents so far in 2022; one third of the total number of people killed in 2021.
The Wide Bay Burnett was named Queensland’s deadliest region for road fatalities in 2021, after 27 people were killed.
This number accounted for more than 10 per cent of the state’s road toll.
Here is a tribute to every person killed on Bundaberg, Fraser Coast and Gympie roads in the past 12 months, including those we have lost so far in 2022:
Gympie
Cody Bergemann
Young Glenwood man Cody Bergemann, 19, was killed in a single-vehicle rollover on Neerdie Rd at Glenwood just before midnight on June 1, 2022.
Mum Katherine Bergemann said her son was convoying home with his mates in another car in front of him, when Cody’s ute hit some loose gravel on a notorious bend.
Cody died at the scene, surrounded by his friends and parents.
The former James Nash student was described as a “loving young man” who had a way of making people laugh.
A funeral date is yet to be announced.
Jessica and Giselle Greig
Beloved Gympie mother and daughter Jessica Greig, 29, and Giselle Greig, 12, both died after a horror crash near Toowoomba on July 8, 2021.
The Gympie family, along with dad Alex and youngest children Jett, 10, and Oceana, 7, were on their way to a family reunion when their SUV collided head-on with a truck at Toowoomba-Cecil Plains Rd, Mt Irving.
Jessica, who was in the front passenger seat, was killed instantly. Giselle passed away at the scene, despite paramedics best efforts to revive her.
Alex, who was driving, was flown to hospital with critical injuries but miraculously survived.
Jessica worked as a nurse at the Gympie Hospital, and was described by mother Ellen Turnbull as “a dedicated mum” who “was an advocate for the people”.
Giselle was in Year 7 at Gympie’s Victory College, and was described by her school leaders as “a beautiful girl, inside and out”.
Both were farewelled at the Victory College church, with a pair of white doves released into the sky after the service.
Chris Passmore and Kylie Parker Passmore
Rockhampton couple Chris Passmore, 39, and Kylie Parker Passmore, 42, were killed in a high-speed crash at Booubyjan two days before mother’s day.
The couple was travelling along the Burnett Hwy at Booubyjan, west of Gympie on May 6, 2022, when their black SUV drove into a tree.
They both suffered critical injuries and died at the scene.
In a cruel twist of fate, Mrs Parker Passmore had only just discovered she was pregnant, while her two other young children from a previous relationship were left without their mother and stepdad.
Mr Passmore was described by family as a “jokester” who always tried to make people laugh, while Mrs Parker Passmore was described as “thoughtful mother”.
Mr Passmore was farewelled at Rockhampton on May 26, 2022.
Kyan Pennell
Tuchekoi boy Kyan Pennell, 12, was killed in a freak accident at his family home in January 2022, after he became pinned between a gate and a trailer.
Kyan was opening a gate at the steep entrance to the Mary Valley property when the gate partially closed between the car and the trailer, wedging him between and fatally injuring him.
Kyan’s dad, Ian, was driving the car at the time.
Despite emergency services’ best efforts, Kyan could not be saved.
In the wake of his death, mum Amanda found an unfinished piano composition written by her late son, which she publicly asked for musicians to bring Kyan’s piece to life.
The composition was later played at Kyan’s funeral, which was held on February 13, 2022.
Domenico “Mick” Dipasquasio
Widgee father and former Redcliffe Dolphin’s footy player Domenico “Mick” Dipasquasio, 51, was killed in a head-on crash at Glastonbury on June 3, 2021.
Mr Dipasquasio died at the scene of the crash after his car collided head-on with another car at the intersection of Glastonbury Creek Rd and Gordon St.
He was described by his nephew as a “beautiful, perfect” uncle, brother and son.
Mr Dipasquasio’s day job was as a concreter, but his friends and family say his passion was playing rugby league.
Throughout his life, he played for the Redcliffe Dolphins and also made Mark Murray’s Colts, winning premiership teams in 1988 and 1989, along with the Queensland under 19s in 1989.
Fraser Coast
Brett Gregory
Maryborough man Brett Gregory, 53, was killed in a head-on collision on the Bruce Hwy at Glenwood on May 17, 2022.
Mr Gregory was critically injured in the crash, and rushed to Sunshine Coast University Hospital where he passed away that night.
He was the only person in the car at the time.
A J. Kirk & Sons funeral notice for Mr Gregory said he was a “much loved father” to daughter, Isabella, and a “loved brother and brother-in-law” to Wayne and Meredith, Debbie and Paul, Darren, Jeff, Harley (who has passed away) and Christine.
Craig Strange
Maryborough father and council worker Craig Strange, 52, was killed when his car collided with a truck at Bunya Creek, near Hervey Bay on November 9, 2021.
The crash happened on a wet road, a witness recounted, when a truck swerved across the road and descended down a ditch after colliding with Mr Strange’s car.
Mr Strange died at the scene.
He was remembered as someone who was “always smiling, always happy and generally a really good bloke”, and was farewelled at a funeral in Maryborough on Monday, November 22, 2021.
Alana Leyden
Toogoom woman Alana Leyden, 33, was killed in a horror crash at Susan River in November, 2021.
Ms Leyden was travelling south along Maryborough Hervey Bay Rd when her silver Toyota Corolla veered off the road, hit an embankment and crashed into a tree.
She died at the scene.
Ms Leyden was remembered by friends on social media as “a beautiful and bright soul” who was “taken too soon”.
A bouquet of flowers were later left at the scene of the crash.
Denis Lavercomb
Maryborough man Denis Lavercomb, 75, was remembered as “an amazing man” after he was killed in a crash at Maryborough in April, 2022.
Mr Lavercomb was travelling north along Tooley St on April 19, when his car collided with a fence, went down the embankment and became “wedged” on railway tracks.
He died at the scene.
Daughter Catherine Lavercomb said her father was “one of a kind” and “the best dad anybody could have”.
Julie Morris
Torbanlea woman Julie Morris, 49, died in a horror head-on crash north of Maryborough in March, 2022.
Police said it was believed Ms Morris’ was headed north on the Bruce Hwy between Maryborough and Bundaberg on March 23, when her car veered into southbound lanes, crossed on to the wrong side of the road and collided with an oncoming car.
She died at the scene.
Her daughter, Kaitlyn McGrath, said her “lovely mum” had “been through hell and back” in her lifetime.
Unidentified man found in Granville dam
A 77-year-old Hervey Bay man’s body was discovered in a car, after police spent days searching a Granville dam following the discovery of tyre tracks nearby.
Senior Constable Brenda Nielsen from the Maryborough Forensic Crash Unit said the police divers found the man’s body in the back of the vehicle and a local towing company removed the car from the dam.
Police said initial investigations suggest the man may have been driving north on Walkers Point Road when he tried to negotiate a sharp bend near the dam and then entered the water.
Craignish man killed on Nikenbah-Dundowran Rd
A 21-year-old Craignish man was killed in a horrific crash at Nikenbah-Dundowran Rd, after his car drove into a ditch and burst into flames with him still inside on May 20, 2022.
Paramedics tried to help jim, but he died at the scene.
An officer from the Forensic Crash Unit said the young man’s family had reported him missing, which alerted officers to the fact that he was likely the driver killed in the blaze.
A witness to the crash said her husband and another man had tried to rescue the driver from the blaze, but were unsuccessful.
Bundaberg
Aaron Demercadco and Danielle Webster
Aaron Demercado, 40, and Danielle Webster, 41, were killed when the motorcycle they were riding collided with a car in Bundaberg in February, 2021.
The accident, in which police believe the motorcycle collided with the passenger side of a car, occurred at the intersection of Telegraph Rd and Schulte St.
Both Mr Demercadco, who was the rider of the bike, and Ms Webster, who was the passenger, died at the scene.
Following the tragedy, flowers, candles and messages of condolences were left at the scene.
One friend took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Demercado and Ms Webster.
“A sad day for many, Rest in Peace Aaron Demercado, you won’t be forgotten,” she said.
“Thoughts and prayers also for Danielle Webster and her family,” she said.
“My heart breaks for those who knew and loved them.”
Avondale motorcyclist
A 66-year-old Avondale motorcycle rider was killed after he collided with a car at the intersection of Rosedale Road and Smith’s Crossing Road at Avondale on October 7, 2021.
The 66-year-old man was critically injured and died at the scene.
Avenell Heights man
An 85-year-old Avenell Heights man was killed after he crashed his car into the back of a parked truck at Thabeban on October 2, 2021.
The man was trapped in his car following the crash on Kay McDuff Drive, and suffered a “significant” head injury.
He was rushed to Bundaberg Hospital in a critical condition, but he later passed away.
Cyclist killed in crash at Gooburrum
An 89-year-old cyclist was killed after he collided with a car heading in the same direction on Gooburrum in December 2021.
The two vehicles collided at the intersection of Gooburrum Rd and Tantitha Rd, where the man sustained “traumatic” injuries.
CPR was performed, but he died at the scene.
Maroondan motorcyclist killed at Boonah
A 32-year-old Maroondan motorcycle rider was killed when he collided with an oncoming car at Boonah in February, 2022.
The two vehicles collided just after 4pm on Yeates Ave.
The man was rushed to hospital for treatment, but he later died of his injuries.
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