Jessica Townley identified as second victim of Federal triple fatality

The shock loss of a farmer who loved alpacas, her partner and “helping others” has triggered an outpouring of grief and anger after she was killed in a triple fatal crash while simply “going about her business”.

Tributes are flowing for a passionate alpaca breeder, whose cruel crash death has been described as a “great loss” not only to those who loved her but also, an emerging Australian industry she was playing a key role in expanding.

Jessica Townley, 38, had only had just celebrated her birthday two days before her car was wiped out in a crash which claimed two other lives at Federal on the Bruce Hwy on Friday.

While police will allege the crash was caused by a 25-year-old stranger in pursuit of his DV victim, Jessica was herself in a happy relationship with partner Troy Wolgast, with whom she shared a farm at Imbil, near Gympie.

Somerset Alpaca Stud owner and Queensland Region President of the Australian Alpaca Association Geoff Coutts-Smith said in a statement Jessica was one of a small number of registered alpaca breeders across the state from the Lockyer Valley in the south, out to Oakey and north to Rockhampton and the tight-knit community mourned her loss.

Jess Townley is being mourned by the tight-knit alpaca industry she was helping expand.

“We are collectively in shock, disbelief and anger at Jessica’s loss – especially given the circumstances, where she was just quietly going about her business and doing her own thing,” he said

“As a Region, our hearts, our sympathy, and our offer of support where we can, goes to Jess’s partner Troy and their family.

“A great loss to both the industry and our members, Jess will be sadly missed.”

Jessica’s passion was for breeding Suri alpacas (one of two varieties), he explained.

“A quietly spoken person and a very private lady, Jess was always anxious to assist when needed,” the statement read

“Her colleagues describe her as a wonderful asset to the Queensland region, always happy to lend a hand and prepared to seek advice from others, when needed.

“Breeding Alpacas is a very new industry to Australia and in Queensland.

“She had a vision for growth of the industry and of her own skills and capabilities.”

Posts on social media show Jessica and Troy joking and being affectionate while many of the tributes since the tragedy have included touching messages of condolence to him.

Family and friends have sent messages of love and support to Troy Wolgast after his partner Jess Townley was killed in a horror crash.

These included:

“Mate I’m devastated as are you. Such a devastating thing. I know the love you had for this woman and I want you to know how sorry I am to hear this tragic news. I am here as an ear, as a shoulder and a friend. Deepest condolences to you and your family.”

“Oh hell no! Troy. I am so so sorry. Let your love live within you.”

“Troy our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.”

Jessica’s website Amity Lane Alpacas describes her journey after relocating to the Mary Valley from Brisbane at the age of 30.

She registered as a breeder in 2015 and moved from Brisbane to the Wide Bay.

“I found property with land where I could have animals so I started thinking on what livestock I wanted to get involved in, I always wanted a horse but didn’t know if I would have time and which type and what I wish to do with it.

“I then met a breeder at a farming stall who was introducing her alpacas and instantly fell in love with them!

“I thought they were a peaceful and calming animal and interesting.”

Alpaca breeder and Imbil resident Jessica Townley has been identified as the third victim of the horror fatality on the Bruce Highway south of Gympie on Friday morning.

Nerimbera Alpacas and Transport owner Cheryl Cochrane posted a touching tribute on her Facebook page, extending her “deepest sympathy” to Jessica’s family and friends and saying it was “extremely sad that such a lovely lady has passed away in the dreadful accident”.

“Jessica was (an) Australian Alpaca Association QLD Region committee member who gave so much to our industry … she was so passionate about alpacas and was truly motivated to get involved and help others, including travelling up to Rockhampton Show this year to help out and learn,” she wrote

“Little did we know in June that this would be the last time we would see her.

“The promise of a bright future cut short.”

Jessica Townley identified as second victim of QLD triple fatality on Bruce Hwy at Federal.

Jessica, who celebrated her birthday on July 19, was the sole occupant of a blue Great Wall utility that was hit as it travelled south on the highway.

She was critically injured and died minutes after paramedics arrived at the scene.

Rafferty Rolfe, 25, is the sole survivor of the crash and remained under police guard at Sunshine Coast University Hospital on Friday night.

Police will allege he was pursuing Gypsy Satterley, 25, who was travelling in a Navara being driven by a 65-year-old man.

Both were also killed.

Investigations are continuing. No charged have been laid in relation to the deaths.

Originally published as Jessica Townley identified as second victim of Federal triple fatality