Loch Sport pastors killed in Tasmania car crash

Three Victorian teenagers are orphans after a horror car crash killed their parents — two popular pastors — during a Tasmania family holiday.

Pastors Nathan and Chei David were holidaying in Tasmania with their children when tragedy struck. Picture: Facebook

The children of two Victorian pastors have been orphaned after their Tasmania family holiday turned to tragedy in a horrific crash.

Nathan and Chei David were touring the island state with their three teenage children when they were involved in a head-on crash on the Bass Highway at Exton, 44km west of Launceston.

The husband and wife, 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 were both pastors at Loch Alive Christian Centre in the Gippsland town of Loch Sport, 262 km east of Melbourne, while their children played musical instruments during services.

A spokesman from the Loch Alive Christian Church, in Loch Sport, about three hours from Melbourne, said the children were expected to return to Victoria on Friday.

Family and friends have taken to social media in an outpour of shock, grief and concern.

The couple was due to celebrate their 20th anniversary and a renewal of vows on August 21 and it is understood their church will go ahead with a ceremony on that day to honour them.

Tributes have flowed for Nathan and Chei David.

“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 … help in some area 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.”

The family moved from the Philippines in 2005, where Mr David also did mission work.

The pastor was described as a “very beautiful member” of the church.

“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.

Mrs 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, said her heart was broken at the loss of the Davids.

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.