Sarah Wheeler launches fundraiser after family killed in crash

A fundraiser has been launched to help the family who had three members die in a tragic crash near Nanango. Here’s how you can help.

The Wheeler family.

Following a tragic accident near Nanango that claimed the lives of Steven (Ice-cream) Wheeler, 54, his father Robert (Bob) Wheeler, 84, and his mother Margaret (Margie) Wheeler, 81, the South Burnett community is rallying to support the grieving family.

Bob’s daughter, Sarah Wheeler, launched a GoFundMe campaign on Friday to help cover funeral expenses, which has already raised over $3000.

“Our family has lost our very much loved Poppy, Granny and Dad. We are now trying to arrange the most beautiful funeral service for 3 members of our family, tragically taken from us on the 30th May, 2024,” Ms Wheeler said on the GoFundMe page.

“Our family does not often ask for help, but if you would like to assist financially, we would be forever grateful, so we can arrange to give Dad, Granny and Poppy the very best we can.

“Arranging a funeral for a loved one is one of the most difficult times in your life, but we are faced with arranging three funerals,” she said.

A Generation Funerals spokeswoman said donations towards the funeral costs could also be made at Generation Funerals in Kingaroy.

“Obviously, the family is going through a tremendous ordeal, and finances also come into play,” the spokeswoman said.

Due to the ongoing police investigation, no plans have yet been put in place for the funeral date.

Steven Wheeler (left), his mother Margaret (right) and father Bob were killed in a crash outside Nanango on the morning of Thursday May 30, 2024.

The crash occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 30, when the Wheeler family’s car collided with a tanker in foggy conditions on the D’Aguilar Hwy near the Nanango Tarong Rd intersection.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 5.45am, where all three family members, who lived in Kingaroy, were pronounced dead.

The 52-year-old man truck driver, the sole occupant of the tanker, was taken to Kingaroy Hospital in a stable condition with minor injuries.

The scene of the Nanango crash where three people died. Picture: Andrew Hedgman

Acting Inspector Brett Everest addressed the media and emphasised the profound impact the deaths would have on the community.

“It will have a resounding effect on the local community … it’s just tragic all around,” he said.

The Kingaroy Speedway also paid tribute to Steven.

“Steve was always there when you needed something done at the speedway or just in general. He has been a member of our club for what it seems like forever,” a Facebook post read.

“He will be so sadly missed by all that knew him and forever remembered.”

Family friends Wayne and Nyree Jones spoke about the loss of the beloved family members who, if they were down to “their last 5c in their pockets, they would give it to you”.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.