GoFundMe campaign launched after alleged murder of Millmerran father Russell Klein

Friends and family of Russell Klein are making plans for a funeral to properly honour the local legend as investigations into his alleged murder continue.

Police allege Russell Klein was killed by Callum Anthony Padaric Cook, 30, on December 25, 2022.

Friends of Russell Klein are raising money to send him off in style after the father of four was allegedly murdered on Christmas Day.

Mr Klein was a well-known football identity who played hundreds of games with the Pittsworth Danes and the former Millmerran Rams.

Police allege that during a disturbance outside his Commens St home in Millmerran Mr Klein was deliberately run over by Callum Anthony Padaric Cook, 30, about 9pm on December 25.

His death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Millmerran community with people taking to social media in droves to share their grief.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio has added his voice to that chorus of sadness.

“He was a hard worker and a friendly guy,” Mr Antonio said.

“Russell was from a darn good family, and he had worked for Toowoomba Regional Council for a long time.

“Russell had recently started his own business, and there was a recipe there for a wonderful future but then this tragedy struck.

“We have lost an amazing citizen, someone who added a lot to the community, and we have to work together as a community to get through this.”

The Commens St, Millmerran home that was the scene where a 55-year-old Russell Klein died on Christmas Day, 2022, after he was allegedly struck by a car.

A GoFundMe campaign was started by Lara Ruhle to pay for Mr Klein’s funeral and support his surviving family.

It has raised almost $12,000 within 15 hours.

“Although the financial support won’t bring Russ back, hopefully we can provide the family with some time to mourn their loss without having to worry about financial stresses,” Ms Ruhle said.

“Russ or Kleiny as he’s so fondly known, leaves behind his beautiful fiance Janene and four precious kids: Jayden, Jai, Britt and Blakley, their partners, his grandchildren and Janene’s children and grandchildren whom he loved so much.

“They are now faced with the unimaginable loss of their beloved partner, father, father-in-law, pop, brother and we lost a friend, colleague and valued member of the community.

“In this difficult time, as a community, let’s help support the Klein family as they navigate through this heartbreaking tragedy.

“Russ was someone who had a heart of gold and would help anyone down on their luck, always with a big welcoming smile, so, let’s do the same.”

To support the campaign visit gofundme.com and search Russell’s Farewell.