Symes family to support young boys after Richard Symes dies while working on a car

‘It’s what he would have wanted’: A family plans to help with shared custody of two young boys after their dad tragically died when crushed by his car north of Brisbane this week.

The family of single dad Richard Symes plan to make a bid for shared custody of his two children to honour his memory.

Richard Symes, 40, died on Wednesday February 23 about 1.45pm when he was crushed by a car at his home at Strathpine. Police received a call at 1.45pm and attended the scene to find the father of two had already died.

A coroners report is being prepared and the forensic crash unit is still investigating, however police believe it was a ‘tragic accident’.

The Symes family grew up in Bracken Ridge, and Richard had been living in Strathpine for about five years.

James Symes, one of Richard’s three brothers, said Richard had shared custody of his two boys with his ex partner.

Richard Symes, who died on Wednesday February 23 about 1.45pm when he was crushed by a car at his home at Strathpine, with his boys Calen and Axton. Photo: contributed.

Richard and Jodie would take turns having Calen, 13 years old, and Axton, eight years old, every week.

Since Richard’s tragic death, the Symes family have been supporting Jodie and their boys.

“Those boys meant the absolute world to Richard,” James said.

“He would do everything with them and was always happiest when it was his week to have the boys.

“He’d always be doing something with them. Whether that was taking them to play sport, on fishing trips, going for swims or adventures, and just all of the usual dad stuff. He really was the best dad ever.”

The Symes’ family is also very close, with each of Richard’s brothers having multiple children of their own.

“The boys are very close with us and their cousins,” he said.

Richard Symes, who died on Wednesday February 23 about 1.45pm when he was crushed by a car at his home at Strathpine, with his son Axton. Photo: contributed.

“They’ve been really affected by this and losing their father of course. But they’re doing the best they possibly could be.

“They’re troopers and have a lot of family support. All of the cousins slept together in the one bed last night just being there for each other through this tough time.”

His brother said although nothing is official yet, once the dust settles the family plans to take over Richard’s shared custody of the boys.

“It’s what Richard would have wanted and we don’t want the boys to lose their connection to our side of the family,” he said.

Richard Symes, who died on Wednesday February 23 about 1.45pm when he was crushed by a car at his home at Strathpine, with his boys Calen and Axton. Photo: contributed.

The family is hoping to have Richard’s body in the coming weeks and plans to host his wake at the Brighton Roosters football club. A date is yet to be set.

A close friend of the Symes, Mitchell Haskard, has started a GoFundMe page to raise money to support Calen and Axton.

“Mate, you are going to be truly missed and the world isn’t going to be the same without your big personality and kind heart,” Mr Haskard said.

“We shared unforgettable moments full shenanigan’s and laughter, it was never a dull moment when you were in the room.

“It breaks my heart that you left us all too soon and most importantly your two boys, Calen and Axton, who were his everything and his whole reason of being the person he was.”

The fundraiser has already raised more than $12,000 in one day.