Tragedy as Hope Island father Kane Landers dies in crash returning home for wife’s birthday

Kane Landers was on his way home to celebrate his wife’s birthday when tragedy struck. Now the Gold Coast community is rallying behind his family after the beloved father-of-three was killed in a head-on crash.

Gold Coaster father-of-three Kane Landers (third from the right) was killed in a tragic traffic accident on July 8, 2025. Picture: Facebook

A Gold Coast father-of-three killed in a traffic accident on Tuesday was returning home to celebrate his wife’s birthday when tragedy struck.

Kane Landers, 43, was the sole casualty of a head-on collision between his Mitsubishi Canter truck and a ute at Mundoolun, near Tamborine Mountain, about 2pm Tuesday.

Emergency responders found the Hope Island resident’s truck overturned and worked for around an hour to free him from the wreckage.

The crash was about an hour away from the family’s home on the northern Gold Coast.

Landers was flown to Gold Coast University Hospital where he later died, surrounded by friends and family.

He is survived by wife Stacey and their three children: Harvey, Grace and Reuben.

His Runaway Bay Cricket Club paid tribute to a beloved member of the club lost in tragic circumstances.

“We are devastated to share that Kane Landers - our much-loved club member was killed in a car accident on Tuesday,” Runaway Bay shared on social media on Friday.

Gold Coaster father-of-three Kane Landers was killed in a tragic traffic accident on July 8, 2025 . Picture: Facebook

“Kane was on his way home from work to celebrate his wife Stacey’s birthday when his vehicle was hit.

“When it came to life, Kane emptied the tank for his family, his mates and his community.

“He coached, mentored, supported, and showed up. Always. He was a rock for so many.”

A GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $50,000 in 20 hours.

“Kane was not only the pillar of strength for his family, he was a pillar for the community,” GoFundMe organiser Poppy Taylor wrote.

Gold Coaster father-of-three Kane Landers was killed in a tragic traffic accident on July 8, 2025. Picture: Facebook

“The ripple of grief has extended throughout Kane’s league and cricket community, where he spent his spare time mentoring and instilling confidence into the boys he coached at football, including his nine-year-old son.

“Anyone who knows Kane, knows of what an incredibly generous person he was, he would give anyone the time of day, the shirt off his back, the loyalty of genuine love and friendship.

“Now Kane’s family are the ones in need of support, as they navigate the impact of this loss. “Costs surrounding funerals are incredibly expensive, and Kane has been the main financial provider for his family, which as you can imagine, has left Stacey in a very vulnerable and uncertain financial position.

“Stacey and the Children need the financial support, so Stacey can focus on being a Mum, the grief, and giving Kane the farewell he deserves.”

Landers coached junior rugby league at Runaway Bay and previously captained and coached at Picton Magpies, between Sydney and Wollongong.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved coach/captain/player/mentor, Kane Landers,” Picton posted on social media.

“Kane embodied everything we stand for: passion, integrity, and community. Whether it was guiding our juniors, playing for our seniors or being a club man Kane left an impact on every life he touched. His legacy will live on through the stories, the memories, and the spirit he helped shape in our club.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Kane’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing them. The entire Magpie family mourns this tremendous loss.

“Rest in peace, Kane – forever one of us.”

Donations can be made at the following link: https://gofund.me/eeb84a5d

Originally published as Tragedy as Hope Island father Kane Landers dies in crash returning home for wife’s birthday