Cedar Hills: Mum dead and children hurt in tragic crash in Queensland

A community has been devastated by a tragic crash that claimed the life of a mother and left her children and husband in hospital.

A close-knit community has been left “rattled” by a tragic crash in southeast Queensland which left a mother and teacher dead and her children and husband in hospital.

Beenleigh’s Rivermount College teachers aide, Julia May, was pronounced dead at the scene on Monday evening, where two four-wheel-drives collided head-on north of the Gold Coast.

The 47-year-old’s children, Taylah, 15, and Caitlyn, 17, were also hurt in the Cedar Creek smash. Her husband Jason was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

A 44-year-old Yarrabilba man who was behind the wheel of the other vehicle was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital also in a critical condition.

The tragic crash has devastated the community, Rivermount College principal Richard Young said, who is in charge of the school where Mrs May worked as a prep school aide for 11 years and where her daughters have been long-term students.

“She was loved by many people; she was just a beautiful person that had a lot of care and compassion for people,” he told NCA NewsWire.

The family is adored in the community. Picture: Facebook

“It has impacted people fairly heavily … it has rattled a few peoples’ cages, but we’re rallying behind each other and their family.”

Mr Young said the lower primary division of the school was closed for the day following the devastating news, due to staff being “really rattled”.

“Most weren't in a fit state to continue with classes but, like any good community, we’ll rally around each other and support the family through this difficult time,” he said.

Mr Young said the girls were “doing OK and were stable” and Jason “is going to recover, which is really good news”.

The forensic crash unit is investigating and asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or has dashcam footage of either vehicle, to contact police.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.