‘My babies’: Mum’s heartbreak after children, fiance killed in crash

The mother of two young children killed in a horror head-on collision has revealed ‘her babies’ and fiance died while heading home from a camping trip.

Shaun Ranger with daughter Saphora,2, kids Baylee, 7, and Chandler, 6 and fiancee Renee Carla. Mr Ranger and Baylee and Chandler were all killed on July 20, 2025 in a vehicle crash on the Capricorn Hwy near Comet

• Grim record beckons: 16 dead in 7 days

The mother of two young children killed in a horror head-on collision has revealed ‘her babies’ and fiance died while heading home from a camping trip.

Shaun Ranger and Baylee, 7, and Chandler, 6 died on Sunday when they were involved in a head-on collision with a Toyota HiLux on the Capricorn Highway just before 11am.

Mr Ranger’s fiancee, Renee Carla, shared her devastation on social media as news of the tragedy reverberated across Queensland.

“My babies and fiance all gone after heading home from a great weekend camping as I was minutes behind in my car with my youngest daughter and friend,” Ms Carla said.

A GoFundMe has since been created by a family friend to help Ms Carla with the funeral expenses and supporting her youngest daughter Saphora, 2.

Shaun Ranger’s two kids, Baylee and Chandler, were killed with their father after a two-vehicle collision near Comet. The family were returning from a camping holiday.

In the GoFundMe the family friend, Chantel Semple, described Mr Ranger as a dedicated and selfless father, supportive friend and loving partner.

Baylee had ‘a bubbly personality with a cheeky smile’ and a love for horses and Chandler was described as a sweet and kind hearted little boy who was full of life and who loved the outdoors.

“Shaun, Baylee and Chandler were cherished and loved by many and brought so much joy and light into our lives,” Ms Semple said.

The two men in the HiLux were both taken to Emerald Hospital, with one, a 27-year-old, flown to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

He remains there in a critical condition.

The other man in the HiLux with him, a 28-year-old man, was taken to Rockhampton Hospital and is in a stable condition.

Shaun Ranger has been described as a dedicated and selfless father, supportive friend and loving partner to fiancee Renee Carla.

Rockhampton Police Inspector Ben Wiltshire said “Central Queensland is in mourning today” after the crash at a press conference on the Monday following the accident.

“This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety,” he said.

“These lives were cut short far too soon, leaving families and loved ones to grapple with the unimaginable grief.

“It’s a tragedy that reverberates not just through the families but through the entire Central Highlands community.”

The children were young students at Blackwater State School, where counsellors are being provided for the heartbroken community.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said the school community was saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Baylee and Chandler.

“Our thoughts continue to be with the student’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” they said.

“Support is being provided to students and staff, and guidance counsellors will remain at the school for as long as needed.”

Inspector Wiltshire said police were redoubling their efforts to keep Queenslanders safe on the roads.

“I urge all drivers to be vigilant and take every precaution to keep themselves and others safe on the road,” he said.

“A split second can have lifelong consequences. Don’t speed, drive to the conditions, avoid distractions and ensure you’re well rested before embarking on any long journey,” he said.

“Our families, our friends and our children are depending on you.”

Anyone with dashcam footage or information about the Sunday Capricorn Highway crash are encouraged to contact police.

The tragedy brought the state’s road toll to a staggering 16 deaths in just seven days, with a peak motoring body warning Queensland is again on track to post a record year of road deaths.

A total of 158 people have died due to road crashes as of July 20 – six of those on Saturday and Sunday.

A motorbike rider was killed just hours a catastrophic crash which claimed the lives of three teenage friends on a nearby road in Mackay.

Originally published as ‘My babies’: Mum’s heartbreak after children, fiance killed in crash