Father of eight Shawn Spangler remembered as best dad after tragic accident

A Tasmanian family who’ve had “one of the worst years imaginable” has been struck another cruel blow. Read what happened.

The late Shawn Spangler with his family. Shawn Spangler passed away after a tragic accident at home. Picture: supplied

A Tasmanian father of eight is being remembered as “the best dad in the world” after his tragic death – just months after his son was hospitalised with a brain aneurysm.

Bagdad electrician Shawn Spangler, 47, died alone after a fall at his home on Friday and family friend Erin Cole said his death came on top of “one of the worst years imaginable” for his family.

Mrs Cole said Mr Spangler and his wife Jodi, a prison officer who lives at Kempton, co-parented their children aged between 8 and 25.

Shawn Spangler 47 of Bagdad father of eight children who died in a tragic accident at home. Picture: supplied

“Jodi and Shawn have been an inspiration and always tried to stand on their own two feet no matter the trial,” she said.

“The way they put their kids first and push through blows my mind.

“Having Jodi and the kids as a neighbour these past few years has been wonderful for our family and we will do whatever we can to help them through this.

“To lose Shawn in such a senseless accident is heartbreaking and they need support to get through this and work out the future of the kids’ homes and schools and lives.

“We are beyond heartbroken that Shawn suddenly lost his life, 8 children lost their incredible father and Jodi lost the other half of her parenting team.

“This horrific news comes just months after their son suffered his own medical episode which has left him recovering but still in hospital with mounting stress and bills to pay.

“As with many accidents, this situation puts a huge financial stress on this amazing family that makes the emotional stress even worse and nearly unbearable.”

Jodi with son Connor Spangler 20 who is unwell after a medical incident. His father Shawn Spangler died after a tragic accident home recently. Picture: supplied

Connor Spangler, 20, fell and hit his head in the bathroom in September causing unconsciousness then asphyxiation.

Mrs Cole said Connor suffered a life threatening brain aneurysm rupture and needed more surgery and his skull replaced.

“At this point they are waiting on NDIS funding for a carer to manage his acquired brain injury so he can come home - wherever home will now be.

“He needs round the clock care and will continue to need it. He also needs rehabilitation and maybe more surgery.”

Connor Spangler 20 in hospital after a medical incident. His father Shawn Spangler died after a tragic accident home recently. Picture: supplied

Mrs Cole said Connor had spent an early Christmas with his family before tragedy stuck two days later.

“Christmas should be a time to celebrate family,” she said.

“Connor was granted a small ‘day pass’ to spend time with the family just before Christmas - to go from such an uplifting and hopeful moment to this … I have no words.”

Mrs Cole has set up a gofundme to help the family “through this incredibly horrific time”.

“With so many families going through trouble this year with the cost of living, asking for help is not something that sits well with any family,” she said.

“The Spangler family have a minefield to walk through now and deserve to know there is still good and love and support in the world.

“Without a community, families would not survive.”

To donate go to: https://gofund.me/6db28ac1