A Weekend Of Loss

Eight Lives, One Region, And A Community In Mourning

By Hannah McNamara

What can only be described as a chain of unimaginable tragedy has unfolded across our region, with eight people, including two children and three teenagers, losing their lives in just three days on our Central Queensland roads.

Last Friday night, thick fog settled over Mackay as three 19-year-olds — two males and one female — travelled south around 10.40pm on the Mackay Ring Road near Glenella. Initial investigations suggest the green Mazda 2 they were travelling in attempted to overtake a semi-trailer before colliding with a Great Wall utility coming from the opposite direction. A fourth vehicle, an Isuzu D-Max, veered off the road to avoid the crash.

All three teenagers — T-Jay Petrass, Liam Doumergue, and Ellie Cunington — described as 'the best of friends', died at the scene.

The 29-year-old driver of the Great Wall, a man from Blacks Beach, was transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious condition. The 68-year-old Kelso man behind the wheel of the semi-trailer was uninjured.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the region, leaving families and communities reeling.

Ms Rebecca Doumergue, grieving the loss of her son Liam, said, “They say words can’t ease the heartbreak – and maybe they can’t – but I’ve found real comfort in the kind, personal words being shared.

“The generosity and compassion from friends and even strangers has brought a small flicker of hope in a time of deep sadness.”

At the crash site, a family member of one of the victims recalled the moment her world shifted.

“My little brother Liam… he was in the passenger seat, with his best mate [T-Jay] next to him driving, and his ex-girlfriend in the back...They were all friends.”

She recalled the moment her mother called with the devastating news.

“I couldn’t process it… I’m still trying to process it.”

“They grew up in Seaforth… even graduated together. Things like this just shouldn’t happen.”

Support continues to flow from the community.

The Seaforth Bowls Club extended their deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones in Friday night’s tragic accident.

“We are here for you – as a club, as neighbours, and as a community – to offer support, strength, and compassion as you navigate your grief.”

A local resident wrote online: “To the parents that lost their babies last night… I’m sending you so much love and strength… I’m happy to make meals etc… I’m so sorry.”

A spokesperson from Keen2Kill Pest Control paid tribute to Liam Doumergue.

“Liam wasn't just a colleague, he was a valued part of our work family, known for his kindness, gentleness, good humour, and hard work. His absence leaves a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled.”

Less than 12 hours later, on Saturday morning, July 19, a 45-year-old North Mackay man, (unidentified at the time of print), was killed in a motorcycle crash on the Bruce Highway at Mount Pleasant.

Around 10:15am, police responded to reports of a motorcycle that had collided with a trailer being towed by a utility near the Mackay Bucasia Road intersection. It’s believed the rider crossed a verge before striking the stationary trailer at a red light.

He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

No one else was injured, and the Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

Superintendent Dean Cavanagh addressed the rising toll on Queensland roads, urging motorists to stay alert, manage fatigue, and drive with care – especially on long regional journeys. Police, he said, have stepped up roadside enforcement and fatigue checks.

Mackay Whitsunday District Highway Patrol Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Shane Edwards, urged caution amid current conditions.

“There is a lot of fog around, so we’re urging motorists to drive to the conditions.”

The weekend’s devastation continued.

On Sunday, July 20, a catastrophic two-vehicle crash on the Capricorn Highway between Comet and Blackwater claimed four more lives, including a six-year-old boy, a seven-year-old girl, a 28-year-old man, and a 32-year-old man.

Two others were seriously injured. A 28-year-old man remains in hospital in serious but stable condition. A 27-year-old man was flown to Brisbane for life-saving treatment.

Initial investigations suggest a Holden Commodore travelling toward Blackwater collided with a Toyota utility heading in the opposite direction.

Inspector Ben Wiltshire called it, “A heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.”

“These lives were cut short, far too soon… a split second can have lifelong consequences.”

A GoFundMe launched in the aftermath read: “Shaun, Baylee, and Chandler were cherished and loved by many… Baylee, aged 7, had a cheeky smile, bubbly personality, and a love for horses.

“Chandler, aged 6, was a sweet and kind-hearted little boy, full of life and loved the outdoors.

“Shaun was a dedicated and selfless father, supportive friend and loving partner.”

The fundraiser aims to support Shaun’s fiancée, Renee, and their surviving two-year-old daughter, Saphora.

Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton, described the string of tragedies as “extremely tragic,” asking the community to show empathy and patience during this time.

“Every single death that occurs on the roads is something which hits everybody hard,” he said.

“I just appeal to the public to support those families as much as possible. Let them grieve, and leave them to start trying to rebuild their lives.”

As the region grieves, calls grow louder for caution, compassion, and care on our local roads.

Mackay Life extends its deepest condolences to every family affected by these heartbreaking events. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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A GoFundMe campaign set up to honour the lives of three inseparable friends killed in a head-on crash has surged past $10,000 in less than 12 hours, helping heartbroken families shoulder the burden of farewell. Photo source: gofundme.

A memorial stands where three 19-year-olds tragically lost their lives last Friday night in a four-vehicle collision. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

The scene after a 45-year-old man died, when his motorcycle collided with a stationary trailer on the Bruce Highway at Mount Pleasant last Saturday. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Baylee (7), Chandler (6), and their father, Shaun (28), tragically passed away in a horror head-on crash in Queensland's Central Highlands last Sunday. Photo Source: gofundme

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