Tasmanian holiday turns to heartbreak for Victorian family
Tributes are flowing for two much-loved pastors as their three children recover in hospital from the car crash that killed both their parents in Tasmania’s north. SEE THE TRIBUTES >>
Launceston
Don't miss out on the headlines from Launceston. Followed categories will be added to My News.
MEMBERS of the church a couple killed on Tasmania’s roads last week belonged to will meet with the three teenagers they left behind to see how they can help.
A spokesman from the Loch Alive Christian Church, in Loch Sport, about three hours from Melbourne, said the children of Nathan and Chei David were expected to return to Victoria on Friday.
Nathan and Chei were both pastors at the church and their children played musical instruments during services.
“They would drive the three hours from Melbourne twice a month no matter if it was summer, winter or pouring with rain,” the spokesman said.
“The children have a close family relative in Australia but we also want to offer some kind of lifetime support to ensure we can help in some areas of their lives.
“Members of the church are also planning to travel to Tasmania to pay tribute to the couple on the site where they were killed.”
Family and friends have taken to social media to outpour their shock, grief and concern for the three teenage children left behind.
Pastor Nathan and Chei David and their children were touring around Tasmania when they were involved in a head-on crash on the Bass Highway at Exton, near Deloraine.
The couple, both aged 46, were killed.
The teenagers remain in the Launceston General Hospital in a stable condition.
Mrs David posted a snap of the happy family at Cradle Mountain on July 8 – just two days before the crash.
They couple were also due to celebrate their 20th anniversary and a renewal of vows on August 21 and it is understood the Local Alive Christian Centre will go ahead with a ceremony on that day to honour them.
Pastor David was a preacher at the Loch Alive Christian Centre in the coastal tourist town in Central Gippsland. The family lived in Melbourne but would drive to services twice a month/
The family moved from the Philippines in 2005 but often returned to do mission work.
Mr David was described as a “very beautiful member of the Christalignment team.
“He served with passion and was always joking and so happy we are all praying for his beautiful children still in hospital today,” the post said.
Chei David’s older sister said she was deeply in grief.
“But I am comforted knowing how you lived your lives for Jesus, crowns of victory await you in heaven. I love you – till we meet at Jesus’ feet.”
The couple’s friend Deb Bayley told social media her heart was broken at the loss of the couple as the family enjoyed a trip around the island state.
Another friend spoke of the awful shock family and friends were feeling at the tragic news.
“I hope and pray that the kids all recover from their injuries. What an absolutely awful thing to have happen. My heart goes out to them all.”
The Central United Methodist Church in San Fernando, the Philippines also posted of the shock that community was feeling at the couple’s death.
Tasmanian candidates’ pledge on gendered violence
After four deaths in a week, major party candidates were asked how their party would tackle the crisis of gendered violence. Read their responses
Oasis support act kicking off national tour with two Tassie gigs
Popular indie rockers Ball Park Music is kicking off it’s Australia tour with a couple of stops in the Apple Isle — and they’re bringing a new sound with them.