Mum, 41, dies in a horror collision with a lorry towing a caravan while traveling to spend a special Mother’s Day weekend with her seven-year-old daughter Tilly – who miraculously survived the crash
- Mother died in a car accident on Friday
- 7-year-old daughter suffered minor injuries
- Family and friends gather to raise money
A special Mother’s Day weekend getaway turned into tragedy when a horrific car accident claimed the life of a loving mother.
Jodie Russell, 41, was making the three-hour journey from Tinana to Brisbane with her seven-year-old daughter Matilda when their MG GS van collided with a Ford Ranger towing a caravan at around 3.45pm on Friday.
Mrs. Russell died at the scene on the Bruce Highway while Matilda, who normally goes by her nickname Tilly, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Gympie Hospital where she is recovering.
Chris Paterson, Tilly’s father, said “there was never a stronger bond between a mother and her daughter than the one between Jodie and Tilly.”
Jodie Russell, 41, was making the three-hour journey from Tinana to Brisbane with her seven-year-old daughter Matilda (pictured together) when their MG GS van collided with a Ford Ranger towing a caravan at around 3.45pm on Friday
“Jodie was so empathetic and understanding of everyone around her,” he shared The courier mail.
Friends and family are committed to offering the grieving girl a future.
a GoFundMe was set up by family friend Jo Howie to raise money for Matilda and her father Chris Paterson.
Mrs. Russell and Matilda were on their way to Brisbane for a ‘Mother’s Day weekend but sadly never made it’.
“While we are so thankful that Tilly is safe and sound, this tragedy has left her mother and hero behind,” the fundraiser reads.
The devastated family has issued a statement on the death of Ms Russell, who worked as a telephone operator at Centrelink.
Mrs Russell and Matilda headed to Brisbane for a ‘Mother’s Day weekend but sadly never made it’
“We are heartbroken by her sudden passing and she will be greatly missed by all who held her dear,” a statement read.
She had a smile for everyone and a heart of gold.
“She left precious memories that we will always cherish.”
A group of friends – Sammi, Kel, Alanna and Zoe – who called themselves “The Pools Sharks/The Squad” also issued a joint statement.
“Life won’t 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 qualities; infectious laughter, the ability to make time for absolutely everyone and live in the moment.
“The love you showed for your friends and family was only matched by the adoration and devotion you gave to your daughter, Tilly.
“Your loving presence will remain in our hearts and souls forever.”
Mrs Russell’s family have described her as having ‘a smile for everyone and a heart of gold’
Close friend Emiligh Kruger said Mrs. Russell loved to hunt for bargains in op-shops and enjoyed days at the beach.
Mrs. Kruger’s children, Lily and Wyatt, also said how much they would miss Mrs. Russell, promising to “take care of our cousin Tilly.”
Following the accident, the driver of the Ford Ranger, 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 serious condition with chest injuries.
The police investigated.