13 tragedies that rocked our region in 2020
From battles with cancer lost to a mining death and traffic crashes, these are some of the people mourned in 2020
Mackay
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Friends and family paid tribute to those they lost in tragic circumstances in what was already a difficult year.
From valiant battles with cancer lost to a mining death and shocking traffic crashes, these are some of the people the community mourned whose lives were cut short in 2020.
Donald Rabbitt
Mine contractor Donald Rabbitt was reportedly just minutes from the end of his shift at Curragh Coal Mine when he was found trapped under a piece of heavy machinery on January 12.
The 33-year-old Goondiwindi man suffered critical injuries and died at the scene.
His death was the first mining fatality in 2020 and the 18th in the Bowen Basin in the 20 months to that point.
Mr Rabbitt's death was another tragic push that led to the Coal Mining Board of Inquiry in 2020.
Crystal Marr
Childhood sweethearts were turning their family's life around after months of homelessness when Crystal Marr was killed on a Mackay road.
The young mother was struck by a car and died at the scene on Eimeo Rd in Mackay's Northern Beaches about 7.20pm Wednesday, July 15.
Four of her children were in a nearby car and witnessed the ordeal as bystanders and emergency services tried to save their 33-year-old mother.
Gordon Santo
Gordon Santo, known to his mates as Gordie and 'The Big Unit' in the rugby league world, has been remembered for his prowess on the footy field but more so for his love of family.
Mr Santo died in a shocking two-vehicle head-on crash about 6.10pm Monday, April 6, on the Bruce Highway near Farleigh.
Family and friends rallied to give the beloved father-of-three a send off that matched him in life - big and cheerful.
Sharon France
The community rallied in support of baby Kaiden France as he fought for his life after a crash that claimed his mother Sharon France in February.
Nine-month-old Kaiden was in the car with his mum when it and a small truck collided on Hay Point Rd at Alligator Creek on Valentine's Day.
Mia McEldowney
It was with the heaviest of hearts that the Mackay community faced the heartbreaking news of the loss of one of our youngest and bravest souls.
Mia McEldowney, 8, succumbed to the cancer that began as a slow growing mass in her brain.
During the final days of January, she had struggled with respiratory issues.
She passed away on Saturday, February 1.
A week later, Walkerston's A-Grade cricket team dedicated its T20 grand final victory to Mia.
Leon Kriel
Tributes flowed for one of two men who died in a horror crash near Moranbah on Wednesday, November 18.
Leon Kriel, 61, died at the scene of the crash on the Peak Downs Highway when his ute, another ute and B-double truck collided about 1.30pm.
Mr Kriel, from The Gap, was remembered as "a cheeky, lover of life" who "worked hard, played hard and made a mark on all that knew him".
Michael Taunao Momo
Hundreds of heartfelt tributes and condolences flowed to the family, friends and workmates of one of the two men who died in a tragic crash near Moranbah.
Michael Taunao Momo died at the scene of the horror smash, along with Leon Kriel, 61, on November 18.
Mr Momo and Mr Kriel were driving in separate utes when their vehicles and a B-double truck collided about 1.30pm on the Peak Downs Highway, 10km west of Moranbah.
Nilly Mooney
The community mourned the death of Mackay teen Nilly Mooney when she was fatally struck by a car in Beaconsfield the morning of March 1.
The teen was struck by a vehicle as she was walking along Nicklin Drive about 3.20am.
Barb Adamson
The Whitsunday community mourned the shock loss of beloved resident Barb Adamson who was remembered for her incredible contributions to the region.
Tributes flowed for Barb, who died in a two-vehicle crash near Mount Julian on Wednesday, October 14.
Barb was a dedicated member of several organisations and well-known throughout the Whitsunday community.
She was an active member of Fauna Rescue Whitsundays and played a major role in collecting medical items for animals in fire-ravaged areas of the country earlier this year.
Anthony Boegheim
A free spirit came to a tragic end when tourist Anthony (Tony) Boegheim died in a boating accident in Airlie Beach on Monday, December 14.
Mr Boegheim died at shore after he was pulled from the water when a tinny was seen spiralling in Coral Sea Marina about 4.20pm that day.
A tribute page set up in his honour was inundated with tributes that described the 56-year-old Birkdale man as a "proud father" of three, a "cherished son", "adored brother" and"beloved uncle".
Chris Vella
Hundreds turned out to pay their respects to a man who lived a life away from the spotlight but whose nature touched the lives of many.
Chris Vella died suddenly on Tuesday, September 15.
Mr Vella was the beloved owner of Vella's Foodstore, which he owned and operated with wife Kim for more than 26 years.
Beau Bradshaw
The death of Beau Bradshaw sent shockwaves through the Mackay community when he passed away in Townsville Hospital on June 6 and his organs were donated.
The six-month-old boy was allegedly found unresponsive at an East Mackay home four days earlier.
He was initially taken to Mackay Base Hospital before being flown to Townsville.
Months later, Beau's father was charged with his alleged murder.
Joshua Kenniff
A young Ayr man was on his way home from a party when his ute veered off Garrick St and into a tree near Collinsville the night of June 13.
Joshua Kenniff was treated at the scene for critical injuries and taken to Collinsville Hospital from where he was flown to Townsville Hospital.
He died on arrival at the hospital.
"It's such a tragic loss of life at such a young age and terrible for his family and those that knew him," Mackay Forensic Crash Unit Senior Constable Michael Parker said.
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