Support for ‘traumatised’ young daughters at centre of Bray Park tragedy

The community has rallied behind the two ‘traumatised’ young girls at the centre of a fatal stabbing attack in Bray Park on Saturday having “lost both their mum and their dad all in one night”.

The community has rallied behind the two traumatised young girls at the centre of a fatal stabbing attack in Bray Park on Saturday.

At around 11.30pm, 50-year-old Kevin Crumblin allegedly staggered out of his home on Gloucester St with a fatal stab wound, and was later found unconscious by a nearby convenience store.

He left behind three children, the youngest aged just eight-years-old.

His partner, Rachel Maree Smithers, was charged with his murder this week at Pine Rivers court.

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“The kids are confused and traumatised, it’s been a whirlwind for them,” said close family friend Rie Brewdow.

“They probably don’t completely register what has (allegedly) happened, it’s just a ridiculous shock.”

Their daughters will be cared for by Kevin’s oldest child from a previous relationship, also named Kevin Crumblin.

Rachel Maree Smithers and Kevin Crumblin with their two daughters.

Mr Crumblin, 29, was “just destroyed” when he learned of his father’s death.

“It’s been so sudden and so much, all at once, that he doesn’t know where he’s head is at most of the time,” said Ms Brewdow.

“He’s lost for words, on-and-off crying … everyone was completely stunned.”

Despite his own struggles, the family man was determined to raise his sisters together with his partner and four other children.

Rachel Maree Smithers, 41, was charged with the murder of partner Kevin Crumblin, 50, this week at Pine Rivers court.

“They’re going to have a very full house with six children between them,” Ms Bredow said.

“He’s such a good dad, he’s so hardworking, and he’s always there for his kids.”

Desperate to help her second family, Ms Bredow organised a GoFundMe (titled Father’s Day Tragedy) to assist with the funeral costs.

“I didn’t know what else to do, I just knew I needed to help,” Ms Bredow said.

In less than 24 hours the fundraiser has raised $1220 of its $10,000 target, and Ms Bredow said the family was overwhelmed by the response.

“Words can’t express how thankful we are, even if people donate just a dollar,” she said.

“We will stick together, we will move forward, and we will make this work.”