Police declare Upper Lockyer lawnmower rollover death of Frances Crawford as suspicious

Detectives have declared the death of a well-known and much-loved health professional as ‘suspicious’ after an incident at 3am involving a lawnmower.

Investigations are ongoing into a terrifying incident on a property in the Lockyer Valley where a woman has died. Photo: Toowoomba Chronicle

The brother of Frances Crawford, the woman at the heart of a sudden death investigation after she passed away in unusual circumstances, has spoken of the devotion she had for others.

“Frances had a loving heart and she always saw the best in others,” David Pilon said.

“She cared deeply about the people around her and put their needs before her own. Her gentle grace and compassionate nature will be missed by everyone who knew her, but particularly by her family, her church family and her colleagues and clients.”

The 49-year-old Toowoomba psychologist is reported to have died in the early hours of Tuesday morning after suffering critical injuries.

Frances Crawford's death is the subject of police investigation. She has been remembered as devoted mother, a caring psychologist and a woman of faith.

It was initially reported that she suffered the injuries when a lawnmower she was moving rolled down an embankment at her home about 3am.

Why Ms Crawford was using a lawnmower in the early hours has investigators puzzled and has left her family asking questions.

She was assessed by paramedics about 3.40am, but could not be saved.

Police declared a crime scene at the home, which is set back about a kilometre from the road, behind thick scrub.

Detectives and forensic police were collecting evidence at the scene throughout Tuesday and Thursday.

Frances Crawford's death is the subject of police investigation. She has been remembered as devoted mother, a caring psychologist and a woman of faith.

They have also interviewed residents of nearby properties and requested possible CCTV footage.

Mr Pilon said God was at the centre of Frances’ life.

“She loved Jesus and it is a great comfort to her family and friends that she is now at peace in heaven,” he said.

“While Frances was taken from her family far too soon, she touched the lives of so many people during her 49 years.”

A wonderful wife and mother to three fantastic children, a treasured daughter, sister and niece, a loyal and valued friend, and a professional psychologist whose caring nature and years of training allowed her to look after so many others during their time of need.

“Frances gave fully and freely of herself, a beautiful soul inside and out,” Mr Pilon said.

“She was a truly special person whose passing is a tragedy and the ripples of which are only just beginning to be felt.”

The Queensland Police Service concluded on Thursday that Ms Crawford’s death was suspicious.

“Further investigations have led police to deem the death as suspicious and investigations are underway into the circumstances,” a QPS spokeswoman said.

“Police are still waiting on the results of forensics testing.”

Ms Crawford worked for Quality Life Psychology Services in Toowoomba providing clinical assessments and therapy for adults, adolescents and children.

This photo of Robert Crawford was removed from the Department of Defence media library overnight.

“Frances always took the time to ask after others with kindness and consideration, often responding with humility and thoughtful humour,” the clinic said in a statement.

“Frances was easy to be around and her gentle nature will be sadly missed but long remembered by her colleagues, friends and clients at Quality Life Psychology Services.

“Our hearts and prayers are with Frances’ family at this tragic time.”

It is understood Ms Crawford’s husband is a Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader at Amberley Air Base, west of Ipswich.

Mr Crawford has had a decorated career in the RAAF and his LinkedIn profile lists several roles, including stints as a test pilot.

He was featured in several promotional media campaigns for the Department of Defence, but those images have since been removed from the department’s official image library.

There is no suggestion that Mr Crawford was involved in his wife’s death.

A Department of Defence spokesman said the department was aware of media reporting around Ms Crawford.

“In accordance with privacy obligations Defence is unable to comment further,” he said.

Originally published as Police declare Upper Lockyer lawnmower rollover death of Frances Crawford as suspicious