Tributes flow for Max and Janice Tonks, couple who died in Bowen Bridge crash

The couple who died in a tragic crash on the Bowen Bridge have been remembered as beloved members of their local bowls club and as “beautiful people” who were “joined at the hip”.

Scene of a double fatality on the Bowen Bridge the day after. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tributes have flowed for an elderly couple who tragically lost their lives in a crash on the Bowen Bridge last week, with Max and Jan Tonks being remembered as “such beautiful people” who were “joined at the hip”.

On Friday afternoon, the Tonks were travelling as passengers on the bridge when a truck behind is understood to have collided with them.

The Holden Barina they were in then hit two other vehicles that were also heading east.

Tasmania Police confirmed that a man and a woman, both in their 80s, died as a result of the incident and said the woman driving the Barina was taken to hospital but her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Hobart Dog Club annual Dog Fest held in New Norfolk. Janice Tonks of Bridgewater, with dachshund (sausage dog) named Maggie.

The circumstances of the crash are being investigated and a report will be prepared for the coroner, police said.

Mr and Mrs Tonks, who were loyal members of their local bowls club, have been remembered by those who knew them as a “lovely” couple who would be sorely missed.

Brighton Bowls and Community Club board member Simon Hartgrove said Max and Jan were “very close and always together”.

“They’ll be certainly missed from the bowls club, most definitely,” he said.

“They’ve been bowling for many, many years so they weren’t too bad at all. And they were always ones for turning up to training, even if it was cold, wet, windy, whatever – they’d always turn up.”

In a statement posted to Facebook, the bowls club paid tribute to its late members.

“It is with profound sadness and disbelief that the Brighton Bowls and Community Club announces the tragic and unexpected passing of our members Jan and Max Tonks,” the statement said.

“We extend our sincere condolences to their family and friends at this sad time.”

The post prompted an outpouring of messages from people who knew the Tonks, expressing their grief and sadness over the loss.

Traffic banked up on the Bowen Bridge as a result of a fatal crash. Picture: Percy Ford

“They were such a gorgeous couple. I am in disbelief,” Sarah McKay wrote.

Louise Cooper said she couldn’t think of “any two people joined at the hip [more] than Max and Jan”.

“My heart is heavy with sorrow and tears,” she said.

The Tonks were also passionate about dog shows, and many people have flocked to social media to celebrate their lives and contributions to the community.

“Such devastating news,” Joyce Taylor wrote. “So many great memories we have with so many laughs as Max always had plenty of jokes to share.”

Denise Ball said the Tonks were “two of the first people I met when starting out in dogs”.

“Always willing to help a novice, such tragic news. RIP Max and Jan,” she said.