Attorney-General orders inquest into Courtney Anderson’s death

“New information” provided to the Attorney-General about a Qld woman who died of “catastrophic injuries” after she exited a moving car, has convinced her to make an incredible call.

The Attorney-General has ordered an inquest into the death of Courtney Paige Anderson, 28, after she died on the Bruce Hwy in April, 2024.

The Attorney-General has ordered an inquest into the death of 28-year-old Courtney Anderson 14 months after she tragically died on the side of the Bruce Highway at Bajool, south of Rockhampton.

The heartbroken Gladstone woman’s family has been tirelessly advocating for Deb Frecklington’s intervention, creating a social media campaign ‘Justice for Courtney’, refusing to accept the coroner and police findings.

Courtney suffered “catastrophic injuries” when she exited the moving gold Toyota Hilux her partner was driving about 5.15pm on April 1, 2024.

Witnesses stopped to render first aid, but they were unable to save her life.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman in January said no criminal charges had been laid and the investigation had been finalised.

However, police were investigating traffic offences related to the matter which the spokesman said would not impact the coronial investigation.

Police giving an update on their investigation into the Bruce Hwy death of Courtney Paige Anderson.

No charges arose when the matter was referred to the coroner.

The coronial investigation was undertaken by the Central Coroner and findings were provided to Ms Anderson’s family in late 2024.

On Monday June 9, Ms Frecklington released a statement that she had directed the Coroners Court of Queensland to hold an inquest into her death.

The Attorney-General said she made the decision following a meeting with family members last month and being provided with new information.

“After considering the concerns raised by Courtney’s family, I believe it is in the public interest to hold an inquest into her death,” the Attorney-General said.

“Courtney was very much loved and I hope by providing this direction, I can save her family from further heartbreak and help them to get the answers they need.

“I extend my sincere condolences to Courtney’s family and friends.”

Courtney’s step mother Kristy Ibbotson told Channel 7 “they had shed lots of happy tears” after they were told there would be an inquest.

Courtney’s mother Lee Ann Rasby said it had been really hard because they “should be grieving Courtney, not fighting”.

“So this is really amazing that this is happening,” Ms Rasby said.

“We get to clear our baby’s name.

“She wasn’t suicidal. She had a good grip on her life.”

The timing of the inquest will be determined by the court.

Courtney’s partner, Ashley John Campbell, who was in the car with her was accused of being under the influence the same day as her death, police have alleged.

His plea is not confirmed.

The 36-year-old’s court attended court with “a camping knife” when he appearing on the UIL matter in March, according to court staff.

He was charged with one count of possessing a knife in a public place but his plea is not known.