Upper Lockyer lawn mower death: Woman killed in late-night lawnmower horror is the mother-of-three wife of an RAAF squadron leader

  • Frances Crawford found dead in Upper Lockyer
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EXCLUSIVE

Daily Mail Australia reveals that a mother of three who died in a lawnmower accident was a well-liked local psychologist and married to a decorated RAAF serviceman.

Frances Crawford, in her 40s, was found dead at 3.40am on Tuesday at her home on Thomas Road in Upper Lockyer, south-east Queensland.

Police were called to the estate after reports she had been crushed by a lawnmower that had rolled down an embankment. Mrs Crawford was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have not yet issued an official statement on the handling of the case.

Her husband Robert Crawford is a squadron commander – a senior position and the equivalent of a major in the army – and operates from the Royal Australian Air Force base at Amberley, about 8km south-west of Ipswich.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Mr Crawford was involved in his wife’s death.

Queensland Police declined to comment on the tragic mystery but reiterated that “police will prepare a report for the coroner.”

Frances Crawford, in her 40s (pictured), was found dead at her home on Thomas Road, in Upper Lockyer, near Toowoomba, south-east Queensland, at about 3.40am on Tuesday

Husband Robert Crawford (pictured) is a squadron commander - a senior position and the equivalent of a major in the army - operating from the Royal Australian Airforce Amberley Base

Husband Robert Crawford (pictured) is a squadron commander – a senior position and the equivalent of a major in the army – operating from the Royal Australian Airforce Amberley Base

According to LinkedIn, Mr Crawford has held various roles during his 14 years with the RAAF, including flight commander and staff officer.

In recent years he has served as a figurehead for the Australian Defence Force in social media posts promoting the efforts of the Defence Force in Queensland.

In 2021, he was pictured alongside the Captain of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, after an alliance was formed with the RAAF.

“Exposure to new ways of thinking and sharing skills with the PNGDF is invaluable to all of us at No. 35 Squadron,” Squadron Leader Crawford said at the time.

“We look forward to helping our closest neighbor rebuild their sovereign aviation capabilities and safety systems.

‘In turn, the PNGDF will assist us with our mountain flying training, access to airfield facilities and other training exercises in PNG, working together on future joint humanitarian and disaster relief operations.’

Meanwhile, Ms Crawford worked for Quality Life Psychology Services in Toowoomba, where she provided ‘clinical assessments and therapy for adults, adolescents and children’.

A woman has died after a lawnmower overturned on a property on Thomas Road (pictured), in Upper Lockyer

A woman has died after a lawnmower overturned on a property on Thomas Road (pictured), in Upper Lockyer

In a statement, the clinic said Ms Crawford was a “much loved and respected member” of its team.

“Frances always took the time to ask kindly and considerately of others, often responding with humility and thoughtful humor,” they said.

‘Frances was a pleasant person to be around and her gentle nature will be greatly missed, but she will be long remembered by her colleagues, friends and clients at Quality Life Psychology Services.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Frances’ family at this tragic time.”

On Tuesday, detectives collected evidence at the house, which has now been designated as a crime scene.

Police also questioned local residents and collected CCTV footage as part of the investigation.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Australian Defence Force for comment.