Townsville fatal crashes: 21 lives lost on the region’s roads in 2020
The lives of many beloved Townsville men, women, daughters and sons have been lost this year. Here we honour 21 lives taken too soon.
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The lives of many beloved Townsville men, women, daughters and sons have been lost this year, but not all of them died in vain.
From stories of miracle organ donations, successful calls for road upgrades and legislation change, their tragic deaths have broken many close to them but potentially saved strangers.
Since January 1, 48 people have been lost on Northern Region roads.
The Townsville District has recorded significant carnage with 19 lives lost in the area alone.
The Townsville Bulletin has compiled a tribute to those lives lost on our roads, or Townsville identities that have been killed in other parts of the state, as more than half the year draws to a close.
John and Carol Kayes
The Mundingburra couple drew their last breath just minutes apart on September 13 after succumbing to their injuries in a triple-fatality crash on the Bruce Highway near Mount Surround.
The well-known Townsville couple, aged 72 and 70, leave behind a close-knit family, with granddaughter Keira Smith saying their 50-year long love story will be treasured.
The couple met in the 1960s when John was playing electric guitar in his band, MI5.
They were travelling home form Mackay when another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction collided with their Land Cruiser.
The driver of the other vehicle was killed instantly.
Paige Gallon
The 17-year-old Charters Towers girl was killed in a crash on the Flinders Highway in August.
She was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed at Richmond Hill, near Six Mile Creek on August 3.
A 21-year-old man has been charged over Paige’s death. Police allege he was on drugs at the time he was driving the car.
Mackenzie Guild
The beloved 15-year-old girl tragically died in a farming accident north of Charters Towers in October this year.
The teen was sitting in the tray of a ute with her sister, helping tow a bogged vehicle when the snatch rope snapped between the two cars and struck Mackenzie in the chest.
She died at the scene.
Her 11-year-old sister Charlie was also injured and flown to Townsville University Hospital for treatment.
Trent Bellert
A devoted father-of-three and well-respected member of the motoring community was killed at the Ring Road after his van hit a kangaroo.
The 40-year-old Kirwan man loved motorbike, cars and anything with an engine, but loved his three children and partner Donna more.
Mr Bellert was a member of multiple car clubs and has been described as an honest man by those who loved him.
Members of the community called for more lighting along the dark section of the Ring Road after Mr Bellert’s death on June 18.
Aaliyah Tepaa- Brown, Rayveena Coolwell, Lucius Baira-Hill and Cayenne Nonna
The death of four children sparked outrage in the streets, divided politics and eventually changed state law, but their lives can never be brought back.
The 14-year-old driver of the car was on bail at the time for alleged recidivist offending, and has been charged over their deaths.
Ten days after the tragedy, the State Government passed law to strengthen the Youth Justice Act for tougher penalties on repeat offenders.
Reece Williams
The 19-year-old diesel fitter was a loving and caring man that could light up a room, but that is a torch his mates have vowed to carry since his death at Alice River.
His young life was taken on March 10 when his ute rolled on Hervey Range Rd as he was driving home from a friend’s house.
Mother, Lisa Williams since found out her son could have been saved if he was wearing a seatbelt when he crashed.
She has since set up a social movement, Belt Up for Reece, to encourage people to buckle up and save other parents from the heartbreak she lives with every day.
Dylan Cahill
The Mount Low father left behind a young family when he was killed in a motorbike crash near his home on April 17.
The FIFO worker and “most loving man” was enjoying life with his high school sweetheart when he was killed after his bike hit a tree on Aintree Ave.
Dylan’s motorbike was unscathed in the crash and there was little evidence of impact at the scene.
His partner, Jemmah Smith Ms Smith said Dylan will be dearly missed and their family would keep his memory alive.
Tee Weka
Family and friends from all over North Queensland were heartbroken to learn a beloved Ingham musician and soon-to-be-dad was killed in a crash.
On June 5, the son of a highly-respected Catholic family was killed when his car crashed near his Trebonne home after a day at work.
He left behind a pregnant partner.
Friends and family described him as a man with good intentions and a “good heart”.
Natalie Merritt
A young Townsville woman became the fourth person to be killed on a horror stretch of highway in les than a year when she died on May 26.
The 20-year-old had just moved back home from Brisbane when her car and a truck collided on the Bruce Highway at Black River.
Friends and family described her as a “genuine and nice” person who was “finding herself”.
John Van Stelten and Mark Dunstan
An adoring husband and a doting dad were both killed on the Bruce Highway as they were travelling home on a three-day trip from Melbourne.
Mr Van Stelten, 59, and MrDunstan, 57, were killed instantly when a B-double hit their van near Mackay.
While their deaths did not occur in the Townsville District, the two men were valued members of the North Queensland business community.
Mr Van Stelten’s wife, Sabina, said he was a wonderful man who gave back to the community.
Darryl Andrew “Normie” Lynch
The 33-year-old Wulguru man was killed when his motorbike and mayor Jenny Hill’s car collided on January 30.
Mr Lynch was killed at the scene and no charges have been laid as a result of the crash.
He is loved by parents Darrell and Denise, his partner Mandy, sister Kylie and nephew Koby
Taylah Pearson
The selfless Ayr teenager was killed in a quad bike incident earlier this year, but even in death she still amazed her family.
Some of Taylah’s organ were donated after her life support was switched off on May 17, including a precious baby.
Taylah was a much-loved member of the sporting community and in her final year of trade training at Wilmar Sugar when she died.
Dion Zanetti
The 23-year-old Mount Louisa man was killed when his car hit a pole on February 17.
His partner, Bree White, paid tribute to Mr Zanetti, who she described as her best friend.
He was a former James Cook University student and was “passionate” about everything he did.
James Duncombe
An ex-truckie is remembered by family as a devoted father after he was killed in an “ironic” tragedy involving a truck.
The 45-year-old was killed when he reportedly misjudged traffic while crossing Duckworth St and colliding with a passing semi-trailer on May 27.
The Mount Louisa man clipped the trailer of the truck as he was attempting to cross the busy road on his push bike.
Long time friend, Lorryl Matheson said James had become a father figure to her children, and would be deeply missed by his sons.
Kevin James
Sitting around a campfire with a beer in his hand and a yarn on his lips is how a devoted son hopes that his dad will spend his days watching over his family.
The beloved Charters Towers man, known to many as “Jock”, will forever be remembered sitting on the back of a horse or in cattle yards after his tragic death on March 13.
The 60-year-old contractor was killed when a B-double truck and his tractor collided while he was slashing grass by the side of Gregory Developmental Highway.
His son, Clinton James, was heartbroken saying the family was left with many unanswered questions.
Steve Bowden
The 64-year-old truckie was killed in November after a fatal truck crash on the Bruce Highway.
The collision happened on November 24, killing the Gulliver man and injured another 61-year-old driver.
The road was closed for several hours while police cleaned up the scene.
Originally published as Townsville fatal crashes: 21 lives lost on the region’s roads in 2020
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