Cairns car crash deaths: 15 faces of FNQ’s tragic 2022 road toll
The Far North has recorded a shocking number of fatal car crashes in 2022. Read the touching tributes to 15 people who lost their lives on the roads and view the crash hot spot map.
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The Far North has recorded a shocking number of fatal car crashes in 2022.
Read the touching tributes to 15 people who lost their lives on the roads and view the crash hot spot map.
January 13
Mareeba man Jeff Ali, 50, was killed when struck by a truck on January 13 at a worksite on the Burke Development Rd near Chillagoe.
The Ergon Energy linesman was a vintage car enthusiast and was remembered by loved ones as a gentle, unassuming man who loved the outdoors.
He iwas survived by wife Tania, parents David and Pauline and siblings Robert and Donna.
After his death, brother-in-law Steve Cosatto said the tight-knit Mareeba community was reeling from Mr Ali’ sudden death.
“I’m so impressed that such a quiet, unassuming man influenced so many lives, with many messages of condolences and people paying their respects,” Mr Cosatto said.
January 20
Sean McMahon, 53, was killed on Burton Rd, Tinaroo when his car left the road and hit a tree.
A core member of the Tinaroo Rural Fire Brigade, he was remembered as kind and quiet “bushy” that would not hesitate to give you the shirt off his back.
Mr McMahon was described by his ex-wife as the most beautiful, true blue Aussie man.
February 17
Fourteen-year-old Bradley Smith was the victim of a horrific stolen car crash in Manoora.
His former carer Tiarnie Mueller remembered the lad as one who loved fishing, doing outdoor things and playing with her dog.
His older sister, Samatha Chapman, said she was devastated by the loss of her younger brother.
“He was a loving, kind and nurturing boy, he did not deserve this death,” she said.
March 2
Former hospitality worker and real estate receptionist Shanti Wren, 27, succumbed to injuries after being flung from a bike in a road accident on Barrier Street in Port Douglas.
Her death sent shockwaves through the community and sparked several heartfelt tributes on social media.
Ms Wren was lovingly remembered by friends as a constant ray of sunshine.
March 22
A close-knit Tablelands community mourned the tragic death of pony club stalwart
Col Thompson, 84, who was killed in a tragic accident on Rankin St while riding an electric mobility scooter.
The Mareeba man was described as “absolutely the most humble and inspirational man you could ever meet” by friends and remembered for instilling respect and values in the community.
March 28
Atherton icon Ian Martin, 82, was the victim of a fatal crash at East Barron, which eventually led to his death.
Mr Martin had moved to the Tablelands in the 60s after graduating from an agriculture college in Brisbane, and was influential in resurrecting the region’s maize industry.
He was regarded by colleagues for being a treasure trove of knowledge in the field.
April 4
Steve Ohl passed away after a fatal crash between his utility and a semi-trailer on the Kennedy Highway in Kuranda.
The 67-year old had recently moved up from Rockhampton and was a lover of fishing, camping and the outdoors.
His family of four children and 12 siblings remembered him as a “kind and quiet kind of bloke who was really good company”.
May 2
Beloved grandmother Bernice Prats was killed when the trailer of a truck collided with her campervan on the Bruce Highway at Goolboo, south of Innisfail.
The 80-year-old former teacher’s aide was deeply mourned by her circle of friends and remembered as an adventurer who experienced one of the most fulfilling retirements imaginable.
May 25
Former road train driver Roderick Hinks died in a single-vehicle traffic incident at the corner of Herberton and Walsh streets in Mareeba.
Mr Hinks went above and beyond to keep other motorists out of harm’s way after suffering a fatal heart attack behind the wheel.
His nephew remembered him as “a real sort of country person, a straight shooter and a good honest old school bloke.”
September 23
32-year-old Jaryd Buckley was on a Moto Odyssey Australia tour, when he hit a wallaby on Narau Beach Road, lost control of his vehicle and smashed into a tree resulting in his tragic demise.
The Muswellbrook plant mechanic was remembered as a true gentleman and “one of the most genuine, down-to-earth bloke one could know”.
October 7
23-year-old Charles Conran was tragically killed in a collision in Walkamin.
The young man had only recently relocated to the Tablelands and was fondly remembered as a cheerful boy who always had a big smile on his face and loved telling stories and cracking jokes.
He was deeply mourned by family and friends in his native village of Alotau in Papua New Guinea.
October 23
Port Douglas mine worker Greg Batterham, 55, died at the scene after a bicycle crash on Mowbray River Road.
He was fondly remembered as a hands-on dad and loveable joker with a positive attitude, who was passionate about the Port Douglas area, the Daintree rainforest and tropical plants.
November 22
21-year-old Qhaleb Quinn succumbed to critical injuries and died at the scene following a single vehicle crash at Mundoo, southwest of Innisfail.
The Silkwood local was only four months into working as a haul-out driver when the tragedy occurred.
One of six siblings, Mr Quinn was lovingly remembered as “the joker of the family” and one who was always there when you needed him.
December 8
Cairns chippy Jesse Rodman was the victim of a horrific crash on the Bruce Highway at Gordonvale.
Remembered as an “absolute legend”, the 26 year old had only recently started his own carpentry and maintenance business.
His girlfriend grieved the loss, describing him as her whole world.
December 13
39-year-old Cleal Austrai-Ombiga succumbed to injuries following a fatal crash at a roundabout in Trinity Beach.
Hailing from Papua New Guinea, Mr Austrai-Ombiga grew up in Sydney before making the move up to Cairns where he went into business as a house painter and interior decorator.
The devoted father, sports fan, and music lover was remembered as a beacon of positivity.
Originally published as Cairns car crash deaths: 15 faces of FNQ’s tragic 2022 road toll
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