Pet dog found alive after owners killed in horror Brisbane crash

A dog belonging to a couple killed in a horror crash in Brisbane has been found, after hundreds of residents hit the pavement to find her.

Residents of Brisbane’s bayside have rallied to help find Frankie, the pet dog of a couple killed by an allegedly stolen car on Tuesday afternoon.

Kate Leadbetter, 31 and her partner Matty Field were walking their two dogs in Alexandra Hills when a LandCruiser, driven by a 17-year-old, allegedly hit a truck and rolled, hitting the two pedestrians.

Police allege the teen ran from the intersection of Vienna and Finucane roads before he was arrested by police and charged with a string of offences, including two counts of murder.

Frankie was found safe on Tuesday afternoon. Picture: Channel Ten

Matty Field and Kate Leadbetter were killed in a horror crash while walking their dogs on Australia Day. Picture: Facebook

One of the couple’s dogs, Frankie, was still missing on Wednesday morning, prompting a social media groundswell to find the animal, who required medication due to her Addison’s disease.

At least 16 hours after the accident, the dog was found “deep in bushland” by volunteers on Wednesday morning.

Frankie was found deep in bushland. She’s weak but alive and being carried out to safety @7NewsBrisbane pic.twitter.com/adhstScJZC

— Mackenzie Ravn (@mackenzieravn) January 27, 2021

She is said to be weak but alive, and was being carried to safety.

A Facebook page created on Wednesday morning called “Find Frankie” was overwhelmed with the good news.

“Well done to all involved. This tragedy is heartbreaking and this is the best outcome in an otherwise devastating situation,” one group member wrote.

Hundreds of people joined a Facebook page to help find the dog, to find some ‘good news’ out of the tragedy. Picture: Mackenzie Ravn/Twitter

“Wonderful that she has been found. The amazing community pulling together to find this beautiful girl is so so heartwarming. It makes me proud to be part of a beautiful community like this,” another wrote.

“Such wonderful news during a tragic time. Amazing work by all those in Frankie’s search,” said another.

RELATED: Teen charged with murder of pregnant woman, partner killed in horror crash involving allegedly stolen car

Frankie, one of the dogs belonging to the couple killed by an allegedly stolen car on Tuesday, is still missing.

Earlier on Wednesday, local councillor Rowanne McKenzie asked residents to “please be on the lookout for ‘Frankie’.”

“She urgently requires medication for a condition and possibly injured,” she wrote.

“My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the couple who lost their lives yesterday.”

A pregnant woman and her partner were killed while walking their dog. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The 17-year-old driver has been charged with murder and will front court today. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The councillor told NCA NewsWire finding the dog was a priority of the community, who are “devastated” by news of the crash.

“The community is … trying to find a sliver of good that could possibly come out of what has happened... Finding Frankie is one way the community is trying to help the family,” she said.

Locals are rallying together to look for the pet, who Cr McKenzie said was an “older animal”.

One woman wrote on Facebook in the early hours of Wednesday that she had “just spent three hours in the bush with a thermal scope and no luck”.

“Hoping she made it home,” she wrote.

It’s understood the couple’s other dog was found and taken to a veterinarian who said they would waive the fee for treatment.

One local, Adam Jones, wrote both dogs had “come running past when we went outside after hearing the bang, but we only managed to find one.”

“It bolted down Allenby Rd. Large breed, brown/ orange solid colour, leash attached.

“The dog I took to the vet had minor injuries and the other ran past at a great speed so assuming that it was scared more than injured, thankfully.”

I thought it was important to pay my respects to the couple who lost their lives yesterday. I have visited the scene...

Posted by Don Brown MP on Tuesday, January 26, 2021

The 17-year-old is due to front Brisbane Children’s Court on Wednesday.

– Additional reporting by Sarah McPhee