Joel Wright killed at Burnett Heads lost his girlfriend in Maryborough crash

The victim of a horror car accident near Bundaberg at the weekend lost his teenage lover in a fatal crash in March. Now a loved one of the pair has spoken out in memory of her loved ones.

Joel Wright, the 23-year old Gin Gin man killed in a crash at Burnett Heads on Saturday, lost his girlfriend Chelsea Maddox in a similar crash five months ago.

The death of Nicholas “Joel” Wright in a single vehicle crash at Burnett Heads on Saturday has an added poignancy beyond the tragedy of another young life lost.

In a heart-rending testament to how the growing road toll is tearing communities apart, Joel’s loved ones have revealed that his death in the early hours of August 5 occurred just five months after he laid his lover, 19-year-old Chelsea Maddox, to rest following a crash in Maryborough in March.

With tragic parallels, Chelsea died from critical injuries sustained after a car she was a passenger in hit a power pole. Twenty-three-year-old Joel died at the scene of Saturday night’s single vehicle rollover, while the driver, another 23-year-old man, suffered serious head injuries.

Chelsea Maddox died from critical injuries after a car she was travelling in as a passenger struck a power pole in Maryborough in March 2023.

Ms Maddox’s older sister, Jaymee Maddox, said Chelsea was the “Bonnie to (Joel’s) Clyde,” and the loss of his lover “hung heavy” on Joel, who was one of the pall bearers at Chelsea’s funeral on March 6.

“It only marked 5 months ago yesterday that Joel carried his best friend and lover to her resting place,” Jaymee said.

“Never in a million years would I have thought Joel would now be up in the home of heaven reuniting with her once again.

“Joel lost his Bonnie to his Clyde at the start the year and it brings me peace knowing they’re together forever.”

The 26-year old mother of three made an impassioned plea for young drivers to take more care on the roads as she mourns the death of her close friend so soon after the loss of her “baby sister” Chelsea.

Jaymee Maddox has pleaded for young drivers to take more care on the roads following the death of Nicholas “Joel” Wright in a single-vehicle crash in Burnett Heads on Saturday, August 5. His death comes five months Jaymee lost her sister Chelsea in a horror crash on the Fraser Coast.

“The world is now without the best people in this world,” Jaymee said.

Jaymee paid tribute to Joel, “the most genuine, kind, loving soul” she had ever met.

Jaymee Maddox said Joel Wright was “the most genuine, kind, loving soul” she had ever met.

“He had the biggest heart, he was loved by all,” Jaymee said.

“He went above and beyond for his friends and family and anyone in need.

“He always wore his heart on his sleeve … anyone and everyone who knew Joel loved him, and I’m sure everyone will agree his smile would light up any room he walked in to.

“I’ve never met someone so caring, genuine and just wanting to make sure that everything and everyone around him was okay.

“His laugh was so contagious … he reminded me constantly of the importance of family and true friendship.

“A face I’ll never forget … a friendship I’ll cherish for the rest of my being.

“Fly high Joel … you’ll always be remembered, you were stuck to me like paper and glue.

“My family and I love you forever and always.

“Forever 23.”

Originally published as Joel Wright killed at Burnett Heads lost his girlfriend in Maryborough crash