Young family grapples with finances after Calamvale dad Chris Leigh dies suddenly

A Brisbane father of two has died in a sudden household accident, leaving behind a grieving family facing emotional devastation and financial uncertainty.

Much-loved dad Chris Leigh died after a freak accident at home leaving behind his wife Mirela, son Calum and daughter Miranda. Pictures: Contributed

A young Brisbane family is reeling after a freak household accident claimed the life of devoted father and husband Chris Leigh, 38, who died this month in his Calamvale home.

The accident occurred during a routine evening when Chris fell and was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he remained in a coma for several weeks before succumbing to his injuries.

A skilled floor sander by trade, Mr Leigh is survived by his wife Mirela, 33, and their two children, Miranda, 10, and Calum, 8.

Chris Leigh with his family, son Calum, wife Mirela and daughter Miranda at Australia Zoo. Picture: Contributed

His devastated parents, Sue and Gary, have stepped in to help the young family and his wife, who has a large supportive family including her eldest sister Estera.

Those who knew Mr Leigh described him as a grounded, humble man with a quick wit and a gentle spirit.

He was deeply devoted to his family, always present for his children and wholeheartedly supportive of his wife’s career in disability care.

Despite the physical demands of his job, friends said he never complained with his focus on providing for his family and creating a joyful stable home.

The sudden loss has up-ended the lives of the tight-knit family, who are now struggling to cope with the shock and also the financial pressures.

Chris Leigh often took son Calum to various sports events. Picture: Contributed

Mrs Leigh said her life changed dramatically in a few seconds and said although she was grateful their last day together was wonderfully relaxing, she wished she had completed the couple’s financial planning goals.

“Chris was my best friend,” Mrs Leigh said.

“We were still young and had all these plans.

“Our last day together was so peaceful and full of love - I didn’t know it would be his last.

“It was so unexpected and like most young couples, we did not have all of our finances up to date.

“He didn’t want a funeral or a fuss but we did want things to be in order. We just never thought we’d be in this position so soon.”

The doting dad was always there for daughter Miranda. Picture: Contributed

Mrs Leigh said the couple updated their income insurances last year but had not completed all the paperwork.

“We were always like, ‘it doesn’t matter’,” she said.

“We didn’t do a will even though we had dealt with a lot of sadness in our family, we didn’t think that his life was going to be so short.”

Mr Leigh was a registered organ donor and in his passing, he was able to give many people a second chance at life.

Luckily, the couple’s family were able to put Mrs Leigh in touch with a solicitor to help out.

To help bridge the financial gap while Mrs Leigh takes time off work to look after her children and grieve, her brother-in-law, Gary McLachlan, launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised $16,000 in a matter of days.

The response from friends, family, and strangers has provided some relief as the family navigates the unthinkable chapter.

To help the family:https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-familys-world-turned-upside-down-support-needed

Originally published as Young family grapples with finances after Calamvale dad Chris Leigh dies suddenly