‘What I would say if we had one more day’: The Fatality Free Friday messages of love
‘If you were alive today this is what I would say’: Read the heartbreaking words from loved ones left behind grieving SEQ’s shocking road toll of 2022.
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These are the families who received that dreaded knock on the door, that gut-wrenching news, that pivotal life change brought on by the death of a dearly loved on Queensland’s roads in 2022.
As Queensland Police and motorists undertake the state’s 15th Fatality Free Friday today, the messages of some of those who have already lost a loved one this year have shared their heartache.
Last night two Brisbane families were left floored by the news their loved ones were not coming home — following two fatal motorcycle crashes.
A 37-year-old Redbank Plains man died in a crash on Pine Road, Richlands in the afternoon, while another rider lost their life in peak-hour traffic on Kingston Rd and Reserve Rd at Slacks Creek in Logan just after 5pm.
Data has shown Queenslanders are being killed in car crashes at an alarming rate with the start of 2022 the worst for driver and passenger fatalities in at least six years.
The latest data from Transport and Main Roads shows at least 128 people have died this year to May 8 in road crashes which is 37.4 per cent higher than the previous five year average.
Two people who know all too well the pain caused by Queensland’s road toll are the grieving parents of 21-year-old Lianah Paige Power, who died from injuries sustained in a horror crash on March 28 at Dayboro, in Moreton Bay.
Wayne and Susan Power shared a powerful message about losing their daughter.
“Our family has been deeply affected by the loss of our beautiful daughter Lianaht,” they said.
“The pain and suffering it has caused has impacted our families lives significantly.
“At 21 years of age she had her life in front of her and for us to be faced with the sad reality that she will not be here to enjoy the everyday milestones and life events that many people take for granted is terribly devastating for all involved.
“Her younger sister Sinead, 20, and brother Kallam, 17, are still coming to terms with life without their older sister because of their strong family bond.
“Lianah touched the hearts of many people in her short time in this world which was evident by the amount of people that paid their respects at her funeral.”
The couple will place a cross at the location Lianah’s car crashed, and they say the hope it serves as a reminder to drivers to be safe not only on Fatality Free Friday, but every day.
“We implore anyone behind the wheel of a car to please drive safely and avoid the many distractions that present themselves,” they said.
“We have just finished the cross which will be a roadside tribute to our daughter. Lianah Paige Power LPP.
“If it can save just one life then that will prevent another family from going through such a heartbreaking loss.”
Here are just some of the faces of southeast Queensland’s road toll in 2022, along with touching words from some of their loved ones.
Lianah Paige, died March 28
Lianah’s younger sister, and best friend, Sinead Power shared a touching message a month on from her sister’s death.
“One month without you, without your big beautiful smile, without your bubbly outgoing personality, without your bear hugs, without your late night phone calls, your unforgettable laugh, our weekly cocktail dates, sleepovers, your piercing blue eyes, pretty face, and the list goes on and on,” Sinead Power said.
“If only you knew the impact and guidance you had in mine and so many peoples worlds and could see your lovely self from everyone else’s point of view.
“Empathetic, selfless, kind and caring, a friend, someone you could always be yourself around.
“You would put the needs of the person next to you in front of yours any day, that’s just who you are.
“I can definitely say the Power house hasn’t felt the same without your presence around, forever wishing you will come stomping through the front door running your month like usual.”
Anthony Cooper, died May 8
Anthony Cooper tragically was one of two men who lost their lives in a crash on the Centenary Hwy on Mother’s Day.
The crash occurred between Springfield and White Rock about 6.20am Sunday when two vehicles collided head-on and a third vehicle was unable to stop and collided with one of the those vehicles.
Two men died while a third man and two women were left in a critical condition.
Mr Cooper has been remembered as a “good man” by his friend Ty Graham. The two met a few years ago and would often work on cars together.
“He always helped others when he could … he made sure his friends and family always had what they needed … he had a big impact on everyone.”
Read Mr Cooper’s tribute from friends here.
Vaea Taavale, died May 8
Vaea Taavale, a 22-year-old from Marsden, also died in the horror Mother’s Day crash in Springfield on May 8.
Alex Patten, one of Vaea Taavale’s teachers at Cantebury College, shared a tribute following a service remembering his life.
“We got to know one another well…I especially loved his positive spirit, energy, cheekiness, resilience, radiant smile and enthusiasm for games, sport, doing tricks and making us all laugh,” Ms Patten said.
“School was so much more fun with Vaea! He had such a kind and caring nature and would happily help anyone with anything.
“Vaea would often walk down to the Junior School to drop off or collect my then young son to help me out.
“Those amazing bonds were so evident at Vaea’s service today and it was indeed an honour to witness how much he was loved.
“May Vaea’s passing remind us all that this life is indeed a gift, how infinitely precious the time we have together is, the importance of staying connected with one another and the value of family and friendship.
“Dear ones, in honour of Vaea, and the way he touched our lives for the better, let us all love harder, laugh louder, look for joy, practice gratitude and be kind.”
Since the tragic crash, tributes have flooded in for Mr Taavale, who was also a talented young rugby league player. Read the original tribute here.
Dylan Brennan, died February 15
At about 4.55pm on Tuesday February 15, 2022, Dylan Brennan, 27, from Woodridge in Logan, was riding his motorcycle when it collided with a car on Fedrick St, Boronia Heights.
At the time, Mr Brennan’s sister Rikki Lee said he would be dearly missed.
“Your family will love and miss you forever, you’re forever in our hearts,” she said.
Read his tribute here.
Ella-May Correa-O’Hanlon, died February 27
A Tamborine mum who “radiated fun and laughter” has been remembered for her vivacious spirit following her sudden death in Tanawha on February 27.
Ella-May Correa-O’Hanlon, 29, died after paramedics, police and a passer-by tried desperately to save her life about 4.30pm on Sunday, February 27, 2022, near the Bruce Highway.
A passing motorist sounded the alarm after Ms Correa-O’Hanlon was found near the intersection of Frizzo Connection Rd and Cunning Rd.
The passer-by rendered assistance before flagging down a nearby police officer to help.
Paramedics rushed to the scene and helped conduct CPR alongside the pair but the 29-year-old tragically died from her injuries.
Ms Correa-O’Hanlon has been remembered by mates and the Tamborine community as a woman with a thirst for life and a love for her son, read the tributes here.
Ellis Brown, died February 16
Holland Park man Ellis Brown, 49, passed away on February 16, after his truck rolled over wile travelling southbound on Gympie Arterial Rd, near Gympie Rd, at Bald Hills just before midnight.
Mr Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.
Read the tribute here.
Jacob Bramhall Straub, died May 3
Slacks Creek dad Jacob Bramhall Straub, 26, was travelling east on a motorcycle along Compton Road near the intersection of Allingham Street just before 11.30pm Tuesday, May 3, 2022, when the fatal crash happened.
Initial investigations suggest Mr Bramhall Straub crashed into a truck parked on the side of the road.
Friend Emma Hanson said Jacob was the “beloved father” of two boys, aged five and one, and it was “heartbreakingly his eldest son’s fifth birthday on the day of his fatal crash”.
Read his tribute here.
Kurt Grant, died March 18
Mt Warren Park man Kurt Grant, 33, died March 18, 2022, when he was involved in a serious crash with another vehicle on the Pacific Motorway at Shailer Park.
The crash happened near the Nujooloo Road overpass about 5.45am.
It is understood Mr Grant had been on his way to work when the crash occurred.
In the wake of the tragedy, Mr Grant’s best friend Rob opened up about how his sudden passing had ‘shattered his world’ in an emotional tribute on Facebook. Read the tribute here.
Darren Mallory, died March 24
Darren Mallory, 52, from southeast Brisbane, was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition on March 24, 2022, after his vehicle crashed into the back of a stationary tow truck on the Gateway Motorway at Carindale around 1.30am.
Mr Mallory died as a result of his injuries the following weekend.
Many of his friends took to social media to pay tribute to their fallen mate.
“There will never be another quite like you my friend,” said one mate.
Read the tributes here.
Simon McKinnon, died January 7
Simon McKinnon, 44, died after his car reportedly collided with a pole in Carina late on January 7, 2022.
Queensland Police said initial investigation indicated around 11.30pm, McKinnon was driving south on Creed Rd when it is believed he lost control on a bend in the road, leading to the crash.
There has been an outpouring of emotion from family and friends of the former Carina resident after his passing, with a close friend McKinnon used to work with, saying he would miss him every day.
Read the tribute here.
Blade Warning, died May 20
The 34-year-old was travelling along Blackstone Road on May 20, 2022, when his car careened into 7-Eleven fuel browser just before midnight.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the single vehicle crash, however Mr Waring had suffered critical injuries and could not be saved.
Mr Waring’s cousin Katie Ferguson said she and her family was heartbroken. Read the tribute here.
Michael Kevin Sharp, died May 5
Michael Kevin Sharp died while behind the wheel at the corner of Oaklands Drive and Morayfield Road, Caboolture South, on May 5, 2022, due to a suspected heart attack.
The 59-year-old had left to pick up his eldest son from work, when his wife saw a Facebook post of the emergency.
Read his tribute here.
Raymond Mogg, died March 5
Raymond Mogg, 31, died in a crash after his dirt bike collided with a stationary vehicle at the intersection of River Hills Rd and Bishop St in Eagleby on Saturday evening, March 5, 2022.
The family of a motorbike rider has paid tribute to a “attentive family man” who died “doing what he loved” after a fatal crash in Eagleby on Saturday. Read his tribute here.
Jaycob Young, died January 17
Initial investigations indicated the 19-year-old Scenic Rim man was overtaking a truck when his Toyota HiLux crashed head-on with an oncoming semi-trailer late Monday night, January 17, 2022.
Sadly, Jaycob passed away at the scene of the crash along the Cunningham Highway south of Ipswich.
Since his passing, Jaycob’s soccer club took to social media to pay tribute to their talented player.
Read the tribute here.
Tanya Bendall, died January 12
Toowoomba mum and loving wife Tanya Bendall, 52, died on January 12, 2022, five days after her car collided with Toyota Landcruiser while travelling on the D’Aguilar Highway with her husband.
A 51-year-old Glamorgan Vale man Daniel Hall who was driving the Landcruiser passed away at the scene of the crash on January 7 at 10am.
Loved ones took to social media in tribute of Mrs Bendall, as many Pittsworth State School students and staff were left reeling with heavy hearts before the start of term one.
Read her tribute here.
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