Funeral service for Zachary David Wilson after freak car, caravan crash in Mooloolaba
The moment a grieving family spent under a jacaranda following a crash that killed their beloved son and brother while he worked as a gardener has been revealed, with the family asking loved ones to call the trees ‘Zach-arandas’ in his honour.
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The immediate family of the young man who was tragically killed in a freak crash while working on a roadside has broken their silence and shared heartbreaking tributes at his funeral service on the Sunshine Coast today.
The forensic crash unit is investigating following the fatal traffic crash in Mooloolaba on Friday, October 4.
An initial police investigation indicates about 11.35am, a ute towing a caravan was travelling north on Brisbane Rd when it veered into oncoming traffic and struck five vehicles including a parked car, which was pushed into the Sunshine Coast man.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said it was understood the man driver of the dual cab towing the caravan suffered a medical episode. He and his woman passenger were taken to hospital in stable conditions.
Zachary David Wilson, 27, of Little Mountain, was taken to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.
He was later taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital where he died on Monday, October 7.
At his funeral today, Monday, October 21, his older brother Jed Wilson shared a tribute for his brother.
“Even as a child he was devilishly charming, inquisitive and loved to talk,” his brother said.
“He often said to mum that I just want to make people laugh and my goodness did he make people laugh.
“He wanted to help people in any way he could.”
His brother said even in death he was helping others as an organ donor.
Mr Wilson said his brother loved his fiance more than anything.
The pair was due to marry at Australia Zoo in seven months.
“In April of 2021 Zachary met the love of his life Lucy,” Mr Wilson said.
“I don’t think I’m wrong in saying that he knew instantly she was where he needed to be.
“Now his life had the meaning he was so desperately seeking. All conversations about her, all his plans for the future were for her, a job he loved doing...started with the love he has for her.
“His passion led to unwavering dedication to his friends, family, hobbies and his work.
“I am at a complete loss. How could I possibly summarise in a few words what kind of life Zachary had and what kind of person he was.
“He was truly a one of a kind individual and we are all blessed to have had him in our lives.
“Even now his unconditional love still radiates around us and in us.”
The doting older brother shared a special moment when he felt his brother’s presence.
“The Sunday at the hospital after his accident and before his passing on October 7 (Monday) at 9.42am, we had a meeting,” his brother said.
“After an incredibly difficult experience for us all I was completely overwhelmed and on the verge of breaking down.
“I went outside to try and get some fresh air to breathe.”
With friends and family, his brother recalled how he was inspired to look behind him when he spotted a blooming jacaranda tree.
He then picked some of the beautiful flowers.
“It seemed to be calling for us,” he said.
While speaking a flower landed on his foot.
“It was Zach...he was calling to us,” he said.
He said it was as if his brother was telling him to take a break outside under the tree, to sit there for as long as they needed, and to feel welcomed and loved.
“He loves us all and will continue to do so,” he said.
His brother said he’s renamed the trees from jacarandas to ‘Zach-arandas’ in his brother’s honour.
He asked friends and family members to adopt the saying and to remember Zachary when they saw one of the blossoming trees.
“Zach I want to thank you for being the best brother I could ever ask for,” he said through tears.
“You’re always a guiding light and help keep me from straying from the path.
“Whether you knew that or not I loved you deeply.
“Thank you Zachary for everything you are to us....for everything you give to us.
“You are truly the best of us..I’ll miss you so much brother.”
Zachary Wilson’s brother then read some words from their mother Mary Wilson.
“I am in denial, I am numb, and in my own living hell,” she wrote.
“I always thought I would watch you grow old and fulfil your dreams and goals.
“You have left his world and your life far too early and far too young.
“All I have now are beautiful memories of the past.
“I will always always treasure these memories. I will cling to them with all my heart and all my strength to keep them alive.
“I will miss your gorgeous smile...your infectious happy laugh...your jokes and your playfulness...your warm comforting hugs.
“Life from now on will be so lonely without you.
“My darling Zachary, my beautiful man I’ll love you forever and I’ll miss you everyday of my life.”
Various friends also shared heartfelt tributes at the funeral service.
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Originally published as Funeral service for Zachary David Wilson after freak car, caravan crash in Mooloolaba
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