Family of crash victim Cody Jay Dempster share emotional tributes

A heartbroken father has had to make the harrowing decision to turn off life support to his son and “best friend” after he suffered critical injuries in a tragic crash in the dream car he bought just a week earlier.

Cody Jay Dempster who died after a single vehicle crash at Toorbul on March 14. Picture: GoFundMe

A father has had to make the harrowing decision to turn off the life support of his son and “best friend” after he suffered critical injuries in a tragic crash in the dream car he bought just a week earlier.

The family of Cody Jay Dempster have shared the heartbreaking details while giving an emotional tribute to the 29-year-old after he died following a single-vehicle crash at Toorbul on March 14.

Police investigations indicate Mr Dempster’s Mercedes Benz C200 was travelling east along Pumicestone Road when it left the road and crashed around 3am.

The Redcliffe man was later taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for treatment, where doctors would later give his family the horrific news he only had a five per cent chance of surviving.

His grandmother, Sharon Heaton, said her grandson suffered a heart attack but was able to get out of his car before collapsing when a passer-by saw him and conducted CPR until an ambulance arrived at the scene.

Cody Jay Dempster, who died after a single vehicle crash at Toorbul on March 14.

She also said her grandson had suffered brain damage and spoke about the awful experience she and Mr Dempster’s father, Jason, experienced while waiting in hospital where they hoped for a miracle.

“We saw his eyes flutter when the doctors were hoping to see some brain activity and we thought it was a good thing before doctors let us know that was not a good thing,” Ms Heaton said.

“That was just awful to witness and then Jason made the decision on Monday to turn his life support off.

“Words can’t express how tough those moments were.”

Cody Jay Dempster, who died after a fatal single vehicle crash at Toorbul on March 14, and his dad Jason.

Mr Dempster died the following morning.

As the family struggles to come to terms with the tragedy, Ms Heaton said her grandson was the “shining light” in the lives of herself, his dad and sister, Cyan.

“He was someone who was just full of life, he was generous and would do anything for anyone,” she said.

“Of course he made his mistakes during life but so does everyone.

Cody Jay Dempster, who died after a fatal single vehicle crash at Toorbul on March 14.

“He had an incredible sense of humour, he was cheeky and had a charm with the ladies as well.

“He lived with his dad, Jason, and he was not only Jason’s son but they were best friends, and he and his sister, Cyan loved each other so much.

“I can’t even begin to describe how much he will be missed, we’re all struggling at the moment, he will leave a big hole in our lives.”

Jason Dempster said “respect to Cody’s mother Gayle also, during her time of grieving, from everyone who loves Cody”.

“He touched many hearts and is loved by so many people,” he said.

Cody Jay Dempster, who died after a fatal single vehicle crash at Toorbul on March 14, and his sister Cyan.

Mr Dempster was born in Perth but moved to Redcliffe as a teenager and also worked for Hello Fresh in Brisbane.

Ms Heaton also recalled the special last moment she spent with her grandson, days before the crash.

“He gave me a big hug, the biggest hug, and I whispered in his ear how much I loved him and always have. It’s a moment I will cherish forever and I’m grateful I had that moment,” she said.

A GoFundMe page has also been started to help the family, with more than $4000 of a $5000 target, already raised.

“Like Cody, my son Jason has a more severe form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bones), and he can’t work because of it and I can only support him a certain amount,” she said.

“Sadly this tragedy will leave the family struggling financially. Any financial support you find in your heart to give, will definitely help.

“The road ahead will not be easy.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Ms Heaton also said some of her grandson’s organs had been donated and gone a long way to save the lives of several people.

The Forensic Crash Unit are investigating the crash and have called for any witnesses, or anyone with relevant vision, to contact police.