Mum, 41, is killed in a horror smash with truck towing a caravan while on a trip to spend a special Mother’s Day weekend with her seven-year-old daughter Tilly – who miraculously survived crash
- Mother killed in car crash on Friday
- 7yo daughter sustained minor injuries
- Family and friend rally to raise money
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A special Mother’s Day weekend outing turned to tragedy when a horrific car crash claimed the life of a doting mum.
Jodie Russell, 41, was making the three-hour trip from Tinana to Brisbane with her seven-year-old daughter Matilda when their MG GS wagon smashed into a Ford Ranger towing a caravan about 3.45pm on Friday.
Ms Russell died at the scene on the Bruce Highway while Matilda, who normally goes by her nickname of Tilly, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Gympie Hospital where she is recovering.
Chris Paterson, Tilly’s father, said ‘there was never a stronger connection between a mother and her daughter than the one Jodie shared with Tilly’.
Jodie Russell, 41, was making the three-hour trip from Tinana to Brisbane with her seven-year-old daughter Matilda (pictured together) when their MG GS wagon smashed into a Ford Ranger towing a caravan about 3.45pm on Friday
‘Jodie was so empathetic and understanding with everyone around her,’ he told The Courier Mail.
Friends and family are rallying to provide a future for the bereaved girl.
A GoFundMe has been set up by family friend Jo Howie to raise money for Matilda and her father Chris Paterson.
Ms Russell and Matilda were heading down to Brisbane for a ‘Mother’s Day weekend but sadly never made it’.
‘While we are so very grateful to have Tilly safe and well, this tragedy has left her without her mum and hero,’ the fundraiser reads.
The devastated family has issued a statement about the passing of Ms Russell, who worked as a Centrelink call operator.
Ms Russell and Matilda were heading down to Brisbane for a ‘Mother’s Day weekend but sadly never made it’
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‘We are heartbroken by her sudden passing and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her dearly,’ a statement said.
‘She had a smile for everyone and a heart of gold.
‘She has left behind treasured memories that we will always hold’.
A group of freinds – Sammi, Kel, Alanna and Zoe – who dubbed themselves ‘The Pools Sharks/The Squad’ also issued a joint statement.
‘Life will not be the same without you in it but we are so grateful for the times and memories we shared together,’ their statement read
‘You will be remembered for so many wonderful traits; infectious laugh, ability to make time for absolutely everyone, and for living in the moment.
‘The love you showed for your friends and family was only ever outweighed by the adoration and devotion you gave to your daughter, Tilly.
‘Your loving presence will endure forever in our hearts and souls.’
Ms Russell’s family has described her as ‘having a smile for everyone and a heart of gold’
Close friend Emileigh Kruger said Ms Russell loved to hunt down bargains in op-shops and enjoyed days on the beach.
Ms Kruger’s children, Lily and Wyatt also expressed how much they would miss Ms Russell, and promised to ‘look after our cousin Tilly.’
Following the accident the Ford Ranger’s driver, a 76-year-old man, was taken to Gympie Hospital with minor injuries while a 72-year-old female passenger was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a serious condition with chest injuries.
Police were investigating.
