Tragic reason why father of six was driving on Bruce Hwy before fatal crash

A Queensland dad-of-six was on a mercy dash to comfort his wife who was grieving the loss of a family member when the unthinkable took place.

Scott Cassidy was on his way to a funeral. Picture: Supplied

Scott Cassidy had just begun his journey on the Bruce Highway last Friday morning, en route to his father-in-law’s funeral in Sydney and to be with his wife who had travelled ahead of time.

But he would never make it to his destination after a tragic turn of events saw the father of six’s car veer off the road and into a tree at Canoona due to treacherous early morning fog.

Now, the Cassidy family are begging for change on the notorious highway after three lives were lost just last week, including Mr Cassidy’s north of Rockhampton and just hours before a horror crash in Bororen, between Rockhampton and Bundaberg, which left a 21-year-old dead.

Scott Cassidy, second from left, with wife Renee to his right and sons Justin, Mark and Preston. Picture: Supplied by family

Mr Cassidy, 50, was described by his family as “the life of the party” and someone “who held his family together”, including his three sons and three daughters, as well as his 11 grandchildren.

His eldest daughter, Angela Cassidy, 33, was at her sister’s house when she received a phone call from her mum Renee telling her of the accident.

“My sister was in a bit of a panic and I just said to mum, who do I need to call, what do I need to do,” Ms Cassidy said.

“I was actually driving to the gym at the same time and I couldn’t see anything, it was really scary driving so I couldn’t imagine what it was like for him.”

Scott with his three daughters Kimberley, Shenae and Angela. Picture: Supplied by family

Ms Cassidy said they were a very tight knit family, with all six kids – the oldest being 33 and the youngest 16 – living in Townsville where their parents lived and both Mr Cassidy and his son Justin running a concrete business together.

“He was just the life of the party. He would just get up dancing and then everyone else would,” Ms Cassidy said.

“He was the glue that held us together, and now I’ve got to be OK, and just be there for mum and my brothers and sisters.”

Renee and Scott with four of their grandchildren.

Renee and Scott. Pictures: Supplied by family

The devastated family have called for upgrades to the highway including reflection lights, to give drivers a chance when caught in dangerous conditions.

“Look at what my family is going through, it’s not a nice feeling. How do you tell your kids that they’re never going to see their pop again? That was really hard,” Ms Cassidy said.

“I don’t want any other family to have to go through this … so if this helps the Bruce Highway getting done, and we could help one family … if there are reflection lights and it does go the other way, then we’ve done our job.”

Ms Cassidy and her siblings have set up a GoFundMe to support not just their mum but also their brother who now must run the business on his own and have already raised nearly $11,000.

“I just want to carry on his legacy and show his grandkids that everything happens for a reason and we all need to stick together – we all need to all be the glue that he was which held us together,” she said.

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