Partner’s grief after man killed in Whitsundays truck crash collision

The partner of a man tragically killed in a horror head-on collision with a cement truck says she will be forever haunted by the moment that changed her life forever.

Gavin Hussey was tragically killed in a head-on collision with a cement truck on Shute Harbour Rd at Mount Julian on July 11, 2023.

The partner of a man tragically killed in a horror head-on collision with a cement truck says she will be forever haunted by the moment that changed her life forever.

Sambo Kissier has been inundated with messages of support from family and friends after the death of Gavin Hussey.

Mr Hussey, 47, of Proserpine had been driving a Mitsubishi Lancer when it collided with a cement truck at a bend in the roadway on Shute Harbour Rd near Myrtle Creek just after 7am on Tuesday.

The crash blocked the major thoroughfare from Cannonvale to Proserpine for four hours.

“ 7.17am changed his life and mine in a split second,’’ Ms Kissier posted on social media.

“This time will haunt me forever.’’

The scene of the two-vehicle crash on Shute Harbour Rd and Tyree Road at Mount Julian on July 11, 2023. Picture: Janessa Ekert and Estelle Sanchez

“ My heart is broken for you Sammy, sending all my love to you and the family,’’ a friend wrote in response.

“Gav loved you guys so much and was loved in return. Always so much love and respect in the way he treated you my big cuz and I'm hurting for you and your family,’’ another wrote.

Earlier, Ms Kissier posted “Why does it hurt so much.... just want to scream.”

“My first and last true love you will always be in my heart my love thank you for loving me and my children.’’

Others wrote that it was not fair that she has lost Gavin, who had loved her two children so much.

“You have beautiful memories of your lives together and I’m sure he will be looking over you always.

Another posted: “My darling friend. I'm so sorry. You and Gavin were Yin and Yang. Made for each other. I'm so happy you got to find true love.’’

OFF-DUTY NURSE AMONG FIRST ON SCENE

An off-duty nurse was among the first on scene with five police crews and up to six fire crews called to the crash.

Acting Senior Sergeant Simon Wylie said Mr Hussey, the driver of the Lancer, was the only occupant in the vehicle and was found deceased.

The cement truck received damage to the front of the vehicle and the truck driver was transported to Proserpine Hospital as a precaution.

Gavin Hussey was tragically killed in a head-on collision with a cement truck on Shute Harbour Rd at Mount Julian on July 11, 2023.

Debris covered part of the roadway and tow trucks were called to remove the two vehicles.

The Whitsunday officer in charge said the Lancer had been heading towards Proserpine and the truck had been driving towards Cannonvale.

Traffic diversions were in place diverting traffic into Strathdickie but Shute Harbour Rd has since reopened to traffic.

Forensic Crash Unit investigators examine the scene on Shute Harbour Rd on July 11, 2023. Picture: Janessa Ekert and Estelle Sanchez

“This is the main thoroughfare from the Bruce Highway into Cannonvale,” Senior Sergeant Wylie said.

“Looking at something like this makes you really think about the fatal five.”

The crash coincides with the first week back for Term 3 after the June school holidays.

The scene of the two-vehicle crash on Shute Harbour Rd and Tyree Road at Mount Julian on July 11, 2023. Picture: Janessa Ekert and Estelle Sanchez

At this stage it is unknown what caused the crash and investigations are continuing.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam footage to come forward quoting reference number: QP23001134813.

The Whitsundays fatal comes barely a week after a Mackay woman died in crash on the Bruce Highway at St Lawrence on July 3.

She had been moving to Brisbane with her partner.

There have been seven road deaths in the Mackay Whitsundays region so far this year, which is nine less than the 16 lives lost in the same time frame in 2022.