Ipswich community mourns Rhiley and Maree Kuhrt killed in Mackay plane crash

Ipswich is mourning the loss of one of their own, a young pilot born to a highly respected local police officer of more than a decade, as well as his wife and their unborn child.

Rhiley and Maree Kuhrt were “attached at the hip”. Picture: Facebook

Hundreds of people across Ipswich are in mourning following the tragic death of a former local and his wife who were “attached at the hip” and expecting a baby.

It is understood Rhiley Kuhrt, 22, and Maree, 24, became engaged in mid-2021 and married in October last year.

They were just three months from welcoming a child together when they were killed in a light plane crash in north Queensland after leaving Natal Downs station for Lakeside Airpark on Sunday afternoon.

Maree and Rhiley Kuhrt, the son of a local police officer, were onboard a Piper Cherokee aircraft that went missing over Central Queensland on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Facebook

Authorities discovered the wreckage in the Clarke Ranges, west of Proserpine, on Monday morning and confirmed a man and woman died shortly thereafter.

“Formal identification processes are still underway and as such, no further information can be provided,” police said in a statement.

Rhiley Kuhrt was a skilled pilot.

A friend who knew the pair through their shared love of horses said the incident was “just a tragedy”.

“They were the nicest young couple and attached at the hip,” Gina Green-Zaunbrecher said.

“They did everything together. Always smiling. Hard working.”

Mr Kuhrt, who was the head stockman at Natal Downs, was raised in Ipswich by his parents including well-known and highly-respected Senior Sergeant Lindsay Kuhrt and attended Toowoomba flight training school Darling Downs Aero Club.

Rhiley and Maree Kuhrt became engaged in June 2021 and married in October last year. Picture: Facebook / Maree Kuhrt

Snr Sgt Kuhrt worked in Rosewood from 2003 to 2021 when he relocated to Mackay, telling The Queensland Times before leaving the station that he and his wife Marina moved to the small rural town all those years ago “for education standards for the kids”.

“The kids all did their schooling down here,” he said in 2021.

“We just became entrenched and involved in the community.

“We got involved in quite a few organisations: football, pony club, and the rodeo circuit.”

Senior Sergeant Lindsay Kuhrt outside Rosewood Police Station. He departed the country station in 2021 after 18 years at the helm.

The police officer said his move up north would allow him to be closer to his three kids and grandchildren.

Many who knew Mr and Mrs Kuhrt have taken to social media to express their shock and devastation over what happened.

The couple were travelling to Proserpine for a medical appointment.

One woman wrote on Facebook that she had “hoped for a better outcome”.

“Rhiley Kuhrt (was) always a character at open days at Rosewood,” she said.

“I hope you and your little family are at peace together.”

Another person wrote that Mr and Mrs Kuhrt were “the coolest couple I know”. Someone else said “they are the best people to be around”.

“Rest in peace Maree Kuhrt and Rhiley Kuhrt,” another woman wrote.

“Two absolutely beautiful people gone way too soon.

“Will miss you dearly.”