Rufino, Ralph Eslao and Dallas Ingram killed in horror Shepparton crash
A Thornhill Park dad, his son and his daughter’s fiance killed in a horrific crash on their way to church have left their family in “unimaginable” shock from losing “three beautiful souls”.
Wyndham Leader
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A devoted Thornhill Park family has been torn apart after a devastating crash claimed the lives of a father, his son, and his daughter’s fiance — leaving a mother and daughter to grieve the unimaginable.
Rufino Jr. Della Eslao (known as Raffy), 62, his son Ralph Francis De Guzman Eslao (Ron), 27, and his daughter’s fiance Dallas Michael Ingram, 29, were killed when their car was involved in a collision in Bolinda.
The family was on its way to Shepparton to help with and attend a church service.
Alexis Eslao, who was also in the car, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and survived.
Her mother, Aurie Eslao, and sister Ciara Eslao Coles were not in the vehicle and are now mourning the loss of the cherished family members.
Ms Eslao Coles said she was “lost” and “still in shock” after the tragedy.
“I did not just lose one, I lost three beautiful souls who were very significant to our family,” she said.
Ms Eslao Coles said her father was a devoted and loving dad who found joy in giving and pampering his kids.
“Despite how tired he was, he really loved to spend time with us after work. We felt so spoiled by him,” she said.
“He was such a gift giver, and his love language is food. He loves cooking for others.”
Her brother Ron, she said, was the “peacemaker” among the siblings and had built a large online following through gaming.
“All these people from all over the world were messaging me about Ron … I feel so sorry for them that they lost a very good friend and someone who was truly loved by the (gaming) community,” she said.
Dallas had recently moved to Australia from the US after a 10-year long-distance relationship with Alexis.
Ms Eslao Coles said he saved her sister’s life in his final moments by shielding her from the impact.
“They were such a perfect match. He was a very wonderful guy,” she said.
“Although he does look intimidating, he was a gentle giant because you could see how much he loved my sister.”
An online fundraiser has been launched to help the family cover funeral costs, medical expenses and offer financial relief during their grief.
Dallas’ family has also organised a seperate fundraiser
Ms Eslao Coles said the support had been overwhelming.
“It’s taken another baggage off our shoulders,” she said.
“I am very overwhelmed by the amount of support the community have shown to my family.”
Dallas’ family have also started a GoFundMe to pay for hospital fees and funeral costs.
His cousin Brooke Tieken said it was a “big loss” and the crash had “shaken” the family.
“As many people got to know him, they would know that he was a soft person at heart,” she wrote.
In Victoria nine lives were lost on roads within 72 hours including Dallas, Ron and Raffy.
Ms Eslao Coles urged motorists to drive carefully.
“It’s not worth speeding or driving dangerously and recklessly because there will always be somebody waiting for you,” she said.
“As for my family, my parents’ dogs, who really loved Dad, will always be waiting for him by the door.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
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