Nunawading school teacher Josephine Lancaster mourned after Toombon 4WD tragedy
A school community in Melbourne’s east is mourning the loss of a beloved teacher, who died in a 4WDing incident at Toombon over the long weekend.
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A school community in Melbourne’s east is mourning the loss of beloved teacher Josephine Lancaster, who died in a camping accident over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
The Mount Pleasant Road Primary School teacher and partner Ben Hall had been enjoying a 4WD getaway with friends at Toombon, 200km east of Melbourne, when tragedy struck.
Ms Lancaster passed away when the vehicle she was driving accidentally veered off a cliff and overturned into Donnellys Creek on Saturday morning.
Tragically, the young couple who shared a deep passion for the great outdoors had their blossoming love story cut short.
“Rest in peace Josephine,” a shattered Mr Hall wrote in a tribute shared to social media.
“You were honestly the most amazing, loving, caring person I have ever met.”
“You made me feel so special and always put the biggest smile on my face, just seeing you so happy lit up my whole day,” Mr Hall continued in his emotional tribute.
Images shared to social media showed the young couple beaming with joy, embracing as they took in the picturesque sights of Victoria’s hinterland.
“You were taken away from me way too soon and I’m so sorry you didn’t deserve it, fly high Angel you will always be in my heart,” he said.
Mr Hall did not wish to comment further when approached by the Herald Sun.
Two surviving passengers, a man and girl, travelling in the vehicle with Ms Lancaster were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Good Samaritan Marcus Halberstram was among several passers-by who stopped to assist.
“How two people walked away from the car is nothing short of a miracle,” he wrote in a post shared to social media.
“I activated my EPIRB beacon, which summoned helicopters, ambulances and SES.
“Emergency services did a phenomenal job, our community is lucky to have these people.”
He urged others to ensure they carried an EPIRB when travelling through remote areas.
The Herald Sun understands crew members from Admiral Towing undertook a mammoth five-hour mission to recover the wreckage on Sunday.
Meanwhile, staff members from the primary school Ms Lancaster worked at in Nunawading were struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of their colleague and friend.
Ms Lancaster’s death brings this year’s Victorian road toll to 144, up significantly from the 106 lives lost by this time last year.
The Department of Education declined to comment on the tragedy.
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