Faces of Queensland tragic road toll of 2022 revealed
Queensland’s shocking road toll for 2022 has been revealed after hundreds of families spent their first Christmas without a loved one. Here are the lives lost on SEQ roads. SEE THE FACES
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Hundreds of families experienced their first Christmas without a loved one as southeast Queensland grapples with an ever-worsening road toll.
The state’s most recent figures indicate 291 road users have died as a result of crashes from the beginning of the year to December 27, up from last year’s total of 272 and the previous year’s total of 265.
Such data reflects a heartbreaking year of largely preventable deaths.
These are just some of the many lives lost on southeast Queensland roads in 2022:
*Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and photos of people who are now deceased.
RAYMOND MOGG, 31
Logan motorcyclist Raymond Mogg tragically died “doing what he loved” in March this year when his dirt bike collided with a stationary vehicle in Eagleby.
His adoring family remember him as a “caring” and “attentive” brother, son, uncle, cousin, and best friend — a jokester with a cheeky laugh and a big heart.
DANIEL HALL, 51
Glamorgan Vale dad-of-two Daniel Hall was driving along the D’Aguilar Highway on January 7 when his Landcruiser collided with another car near Stony Creek.
His wife Linda, 49, and son Steele, 13, were both passengers and survived.
Initial police investigations indicated a Triton travelling in the opposite direction experienced a mechanical fault, which caused it to swerve and crash into the Halls’ vehicle.
The driver of the Triton, a 52-year-old Kidman Creek woman, also died following the crash. Her identity was not made public.
LIANAH POWER, 21
Described by family as “the most beautiful, kind, compassionate, and loyal person”, Lianah Power was just 21-years-old when she died due to injuries sustained in a crash at Dayboro.
The Warner woman’s hatchback was travelling northwest on Dayboro Rd in March when it crossed sides and collided with a sedan travelling in the opposite direction.
She was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where she died the following day.
JOSH WILSON, 37
A close associate of Mansfield man Josh Wilson who died nearly three months ago while riding an e-scooter along Stanmere St, Carindale has spoken out since the tragic incident, calling the 37-year-old “the best friend anyone could have”.
It is understood Mr Wilson suffered significant head injuries in a crash and died at the scene, leaving behind his wife of six years, Sarah.
JACOB JAMES, 25
Motorcyclist Jacob James tragically died in late September after his vehicle collided with a Mercedes-Benz sedan at an intersection in Holland Park West, just 500m from his home.
Police indicated at the time the black Honda motorcycle and car were travelling in opposite directions before they crashed.
Mr James’ mother Cassandra spoke out in the days that followed, urging others to “never take one moment for granted with those that you love”.
DYLAN BRENNAN, 27
The “beautiful soul” of Woodridge man Dylan Brennan will live on in memory after he died in a motorcycle-car crash at Boronia Heights in February.
It was reported at the time that members of the community administered first aid to the 27-year-old motorcycle rider but he died at the scene.
The 18-year-old driver of the car was transported to hospital with minor injuries.
FELICITY ‘FLISS’ MORTON, 21
A budding Brisbane playwright, Felicity ‘Fliss’ Morton was travelling home from her grandmother’s funeral just last week when she was killed in a crash at Benaraby, near Gladstone.
The Red Hill artist was the fourth of five children who together formed a “very, very close unit”.
She had just recently completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in drama, at the Queensland University of Technology and been accepted to complete a Master’s degree at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Her devastated family will remember her as the “sweetest girl” who had a “heart of gold” and “gave the best hugs”.
NATHAN MAHER, 24
Relatives of Gympie resident Nathan Maher are mourning the loss of their “big gentleman giant” after he died following a car crash at Deception Bay on December 3.
It is understood he was a passenger in a Ford which collided with a Toyota 4WD at the intersection of two roads late at night.
The 24-year-old’s older sister and her three children were also in the Ford and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Mr Maher is remembered by loved ones as a “massive teddy bear” who loved motorbikes, loud music and cars.
WEZLEY FORTUNATO, 28
Emotional tributes are still flooding in from near and far following the death of Burpengary resident Wezley Fortunato, who was killed in a crash at Morayfield on December 16.
Initial police investigations indicated the 28-year-old was riding his motorcycle north along Nolan Dr when he failed to negotiate a left-hand turn.
A passer-by found him dead on the side of the road shortly after 5am.
His loved ones have since come out and said they will miss him “always and forever”.
JAYCOB YOUNG, 19
Warrill View man Jaycob Young was said to have been overtaking a truck on the Cunningham Highway when his Toyota Hilux crashed head-on with an oncoming semi-trailer in January.
He died at the scene, just south of Ipswich.
Several local soccer clubs shared their devastation and shock over the athlete’s sudden death in online tributes, calling the incident “tragic”.
SIMON MCKINNON, 44
Friends of Brisbane dad Simon McKinnon have described the 44-year-old as “one of a kind” in the wake of his tragic passing in January.
Police indicated at the time that he lost control of the car he was driving at a bend in a Carina road and crashed into a pole.
He died at the scene.
ELLIS BROWN, 49
Holland Park’s Ellis Brown tragically passed away in February after his truck rolled over while travelling southbound along Gympie Arterial Rd at Bald Hills.
He died at the scene.
A father-of-three and grandfather-of-six, Mr Brown was “loved to the moon and back”.
It is understood he worked as a truck driver for a decade before the incident.
OSAMAH AL KHAFAJI, 17
Many have been left heartbroken after teenage boy Osamah Al Khafaji died last month in a single-vehicle crash at Belmont.
Police indicated at the time that a blue Lexus crashed into bushland off Mt Petrie Rd just after 11pm.
The Mt Gravatt resident and Mansfield State High School student died at the scene while his 15-year-old passenger from Calamvale was taken to hospital in a stable condition.
JACOB BRAMHALL STRAUB, 26
In a tragedy of extreme proportions, motorcyclist Jacob Bramhall Straub died in a horrific crash at Kuraby on his son’s fifth birthday.
It is understood the Slacks Creek dad was travelling east along Compton Road just before 11.30pm on May 3, when he crashed into a truck parked on the side of the road.
Police administered first aid but he died at the scene a short time later.
Mr Bramhall Straub had only recently become engaged to his partner.
LOCHLEN CORCORAN, 15
Yarrabilba State Secondary College student Lochlen Corcoran was just 15-years-old when he was involved in an e-scooter crash that ultimately killed him.
His mother Gemma Corcoran later described the intense “hopelessness” she felt upon finding her son “laying there”.
“I am so heart broken and empty without you my son,” she said in July.
SCOTTY RIVERS, 37
An adored dad and all-round “good bloke” from Ipswich tragically had his life cut short at 37 years after his motorcycle struck a sedan heading in the opposite direction along Pine Rd, Richlands.
Scott Rivers died a short time after the incident on May 26 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
A close friend described Mr Rivers as “one of the good eggs”, stating he was ‘bowled over’ by his death.
ANDRE BAROUTSIS-ASDOURIAN, 30
The family of Andre Baroutsis-Asdourian were left shattered after the 30-year-old was killed in a single-car crash while driving along Beenleigh Rd at Kuraby late one night in September.
Initial investigations by police indicated he was travelling westbound when his red Holden Commodore veered off the road and struck a light pole near Pioneer Dr.
His partner Sasha Wibrow was “absolutely heartbroken” by the tragic loss.
LYDIA GILCHRIST, 16
Rochedale State High School student Lydia Gilchrist, a teenager “liked by all”, died in October following a 4WD crash at New Beith.
It is understood the Daisy Hill girl was heading to a camping destination with friends when the incident occurred, leaving the “gentle soul” with injuries so serious they ultimately killed her.
Police said at the time a 1989 red Ford Maverick was travelling north along New Beith Rd just after midnight when it left the roadway and crashed into a culvert.
MARTIN DONATO, 62
Fortitude Valley man Martin Donato, who has been described as the “most incredible human”, died at the scene of a crash in early August, where his car collided with a pylon supporting the Gateway Mwy overpass at Eagle Farm.
His grief-stricken partner said the world became a “much darker place” after his death.
TANEIL HARRIS, 21
A “great person” who loved dirt bike riding and four-wheel-driving, Taneil Harris died aged just 21 in a car crash at Stockleigh.
Police indicated in June that the cause of the incident was unknown but being investigated.
A 15-year-old female passenger — Ms Harris’ cousin — also died at the scene.
NEIL BROWN, 48
Ormeau Hills dad Neil Brown was driving along the Logan Mwy with his daughter’s boyfriend when his car became sandwiched between two trucks in a horror collision.
The drivers and sole occupants of the two trucks, and Mr Brown’s passenger, were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Mr Brown died at the scene.
His loved ones have described him as “just the best person” who “did not have one bad bone in his body”.
MICHAEL WARBURTON, 59
Michael Warburton, a father-of-three adored by many, was taken from the world in September after a tragic hit-and-run incident in Wynnum West.
Police alleged at the time a teenage boy driving a stolen car crossed to the wrong side of the road and mowed the 59-year-old down while he was riding his Vespa motor scooter home from a social event.
Mr Warburton’s family spoke of their beloved relative in the weeks that followed, describing him as “the most loving son and husband” and “the greatest father” who “will forever be a Penrith Panthers fan”.
KAI PHILLIPS, 18
Friends of Boyland resident Kai Phillips, who died in July after a crash in Tamborine, have shared emotional tributes to the teenager they so deeply loved.
Early police inquiries indicated the young man’s black 2013 Ford Fiesta was travelling west along Mundoolun Connection Rd when his car collided with a truck travelling south.
The truck driver was not injured.
JAKE CANAWAY, 25
In a shocking discovery just two months ago, Pinkenba resident Jake Canaway was found lying near his black Yamaha motorcycle beside Main Myrtletown Rd with serious injuries he later “succumbed to”.
His mother said her son had just gone out for a ‘normal ride’ as he loved travelling through the backstreets near the Brisbane Airport.
She said the “emptiness” her family felt following the tragedy “destroyed” them.
DARREN MALLORY, 52
Brisbane father, Darren Mallory, 52, sadly lost his life in March following a crash on the Gateway Motorway in Carindale.
He was deeply loved and honoured by many of his friends, with many sharing their memories following his death.
“You were such a big part of my life, you were such an amazing unique person, who only ever wanted me to be the best version of myself, you taught me so much, you truly cared and always made sure I was safe,” one person said.
VAEA TAAVALE, 22
A horrific Mother‘s Day tragedy claimed the life of 22-year-old footballer, Vaea Taavale.
He had been driving westbound on the Centenary Highway when his vehicle moved into the right-hand lane and collided with two other vehicles.
Another life was lost in the accident when a third car hit the wreckage.
His friends and fellow footballers remembered him as “all around great human”, who had “enormous potential” and an “infectious smile.”
MATTHEW BUJNOWICZ, 35
Former high-ranking outlaw motorcycle gang member, Matthew Bujnowikz was killed in a motorcycle crash in Redland Bay in August.
According to sources, he had left the gang earlier this year, and was running a construction business at the time of his death.
His friends remembered him as someone who “lived life harder and faster than anyone before”.
JASON BICE, 47
Logan Village man, Jason Bice, was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash on May 26.
The accident which claimed the 47-year-old’s life was one of two fatal crashes on southeast Queensland roads that day.
His partner of four years, Julie Boal, shared a deep love with Mr Bice, which she shared in the days following his death.
“He brought nothing but happiness into our lives,” she said.
“I can only talk for my heart ache right now, my tears don’t stop, all I want is my Jas.
“We had such a bond and love that nothing could break it and never will.”
Mr Bice was described as a “diamond in the rough”.
ADAM OTTO
Family man, Adam Otto, lost his life in a tragic motorcycle crash at Logan on January 26 on his 33rd birthday.
The father-of-three’s death devastated his community, who shared an outpouring of grief on social media, with many sharing they had waited to hear back from him on their birthday well wishes.
“We all jumped on to wish you a happy birthday for today and waited for your response … but your response never came. Instead we got the news we never wanted to hear. We will love and miss you forever,” a post said.
PATRICIA KEYS BALLERS, 82
Patricia Keys Ballard, 82, was a significant part of her community at Moreton Bay, both within her church and out.
Mrs Ballard and her husband of more than 60 years, were travelling in their car on July 14, when they collided with a truck.
She spent a week in Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital before succumbing to her injuries on July 20.
Her loved ones and community remembered her as a dedicated and valued member of her church — the Anglican Parish of Caboolture.
“Pat was a great woman of faith and action,” Reverend Avriel Green said.
“Her faith in Jesus Christ was firm and unwavering. She did not fear death and spoke about it often.
HEATH BUCKLEY, 43
Heath Buckley, 43, of Lutwyche, was killed in a motorcycle crash at Scarborough in October.
He was travelling south when he collided with a BMW at an intersection.
Bystanders attempted to revive him but he died at the scene.
His devastated mother took to Facebook to share his loss with his friends and loved ones.
“He was a son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew and cousin to us all. Our hearts are broken. He will leave a gap in our lives,” she said.
MARK O’SULLIVAN, 58
Dedicated bus driver for Logan disabled students, Mark O’Sullivan, lost his life in a devastating single-vehicle crash at Jimboomba in October.
He had been heading north on Cusack Lane when his vehicle hit a tree and he died at the scene.
Work colleagues and friends alike shared their treasured memories of Mr O’Sullivan.
“Your kind, caring nature and our endless conversations will never be forgotten. I will forever have the privilege to call you my friend,” they said.
JAXSON DAVIES, 15
Grieving friends of Redbank Plains teen and trail bike rider, Jaxson Davies, mourned the 15-year-old in a series of heartbreaking Instagram videos.
He was killed when his dirt bike left the road on the notorious Road to Nowhere at New Beith and collided with a tree on September 11.
Paramedics tried desperately to save his but were unsuccessful.
Devastated friends shared their fondest memories of him on social media.
“(He) always made a smile on his mates’ face when he does some stupid stuff, always liked coming riding and having a yarn with you,” one friend posted.
“He will always be in our hearts️.”
TIM EVERINGHAM, 31
Tim Everingham, 31, was a nurse who was a “highly respected” and loved member of his community died after his motorbike collided with a car on Logan Rd at Woolloongabba on July 24.
His university community remembered him as “a passionate nurse and educator, approachable and supportive of students, providing pastoral care as well as clinical supervision”.
While his sister, Kiri Hatlow, described him on social media as “a beloved son, brother and uncle he was also a friend to many with his kind, generous nature and beautiful smile that would light up the room”.
He was also described as the “bestest little brother”.
COHN EVANS, 22
BMX and motocross racer, Cohn Evans, 22, was one of three young men involved in a horrific crash at New Beith on November 30 and was the only one who did not survive.
He was remembered as a family man with “a heart of gold” and “the life of the party”.
Devastated friends and family flocked to social media to share their grief.
“No words can describe what a wonderful uncle and son he was,” they said.
“Watching you grow up was an adventure that’s for sure. You will be missed mate.”
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