Rockhampton family’s cry for help following heartbreaking accident

A joyful family reunion that ended in tragedy has left a father-of-three in a coma and his family struggling through a living nightmare.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Rockhampton’s Daniel Barber and Jemma Armstrong’s family after Mr Barber was badly injured in a fall. Picture supplied.

A joyful family reunion that ended in tragedy has left a father-of-three in a coma and his family struggling through a living nightmare.

Now a call out has been made to help Daniel Barber’s family as they fight to stay afloat after he suffered two shocking facial fractures and massive head trauma following a fall on Quay St on Sunday, May 4.

Dan was celebrating the return of his brother, who had just come back to Rockhampton after being away for nearly a year.

After the fall, Dan had to be placed in an induced coma and remains on a ventilator at Rockhampton Hospital.

Daniel Barber with kids Ruby (4), Jack (8) and Abby (11) at a happier time. Picture: Supplied

Throughout all of this, his partner Jemma Armstrong and kids Abby, 11, Jack, 8, and Ruby, 4, have stood by his side.

Family friend Natasha Orr is helping organise the GoFundMe fundraiser for the family, with the aim of raising $25,000 to help cushion the blow of the devastating situation.

The severity of Dan’s injuries was compounded by the fact he, described as “the heart” of his family, was alone and unconscious for about 45 minutes before being found by someone.

The hands-on dad who loves camping, fishing, and anything outdoors remains in ICU at Rockhampton Hospital.

It is predicted to be a long journey for a man described as someone who brings “light to everyone’s day”.

Police officer Jemma Armstrong has described her loving partner Daniel Barber as someone who brings light to everyone’s day. Pic: Supplied

In a GoFundMe post, a heartbroken Jemma shared her turmoil.

“I don’t know how to do life without Dan — he’s my person,” she said.

“He brings light to everyone’s day, and without him, mine feels dull.”

Natasha explained at some point during the evening when the incident happened, Dan, who works for Rocky Bobcat Hire and Civil, became separated from the group.

“From what we understand, Dan had mentioned he didn’t want to continue on to the next venue and intended to head home,” she said.

“He was later found on Quay Street, across from Ribs and Rumps, after what appears to have been a fall.”

“Most of all, he loves Jemma and their three young kids.

“He’s the heart of their little family, and not having him home has changed everything.”

Hands-on dad Daniel Barber loves his family above all else.

Jemma, who is a police officer, has had to temporarily leave her job to stay by her partner’s side but runs out of leave on May 23.

Alongside the huge emotional toll, especially on the children, the financial impact has been devastating for the young family.

“They’re still so young and trying to make sense of something so big,” Natasha said.

“Their routine has been completely thrown, and they’re just doing their best to get through each day.

“The family went from two incomes to none overnight.”

GofundMe Rockhampton Daniel Barber, Pic supplied

Jemma is a passionate member of the Rockhampton netball and basketball communities, and both the Dragons Netball and Titans Basketball clubs have organised several fundraisers to assist her, Dan and their small family.

“The community has really come together, and we’re all doing what we can behind the scenes to help out,” Natasha said.

Jemma’s family, especially her mother and sisters, are all banding around her to help with both the kids and the day-to-day-running of the house.

“I honestly don’t know how she’d be coping without them and the rest of the family, who’ve all been doing their bit in different ways,” Natasha said.

As of Friday, $7,630 had been raised on GoFundMe.

A GoFundMe has been started for the family of injured dad Daniel Barber and his partner Jemma Armstrong. Pic supplied

“Even if it’s reached, that only works out to about six months on minimum wage — and when you’ve got a mortgage, groceries, and everything else, it doesn’t go far,” Natasha said.

“Jemma hasn’t had the time to look into Centrelink or other support options yet — right now it’s just about surviving one day at a time.”

Any money raised will be used to keep the family afloat and keep life as stable as possible for the three children.

Natasha said despite the situation, Jemma and the kids were surrounded by love.

People can go to the GoFundMe fundraiser to donate to the family.