Father of four children killed in fiery crash reveals heartbreak
The grieving father of the four children killed in a fiery crash along with their mother has shared his heartbreak, describing his kids as “beautiful souls”.
Estranged father James McLeod mourned the loss of Aaleyn, 6, Matilda, 5, Wyatt, 4, and Zaidok, 2, in a heart-wrenching statement Tuesday evening.
“I love them very much and they will be surely (sic) missed with all of my heart,” Mr McLeod said, according to Nine News.
“They were beautiful souls and were loved by all who knew them.”
Single mother Charmaine Harris McLeod and her children died as she attempted to overtake a truck on the Bunya Highway, near Kumbia in Queensland, just before 7.30pm on Monday.
Police said the car she was driving hit an oncoming truck and both vehicles became engulfed in flames.
One of Ms McLeod’s daughters was able to be freed from the burning wreckage, but was pronounced dead on the way to hospital.
A 47-year-old male truck driver was rushed to Kingaroy Hospital where he was treated for non life-threatening injuries.
Burns covering the truck driver’s arms and hands indicated the man had tried to retrieve bodies from the car before emergency crews arrived, Nine News reported.
The 35-year-old Eli Waters mother has been remembered a loving, selfless mother of four “wonderful” children.
A GoFundMe page has been established to support family in paying for funeral costs, with any remaining funds to be handed to the Youth in Search charity.
“I knew Charmaine and her beautiful children. She was a great mummy and raised wonderful children on her own. Something to be really proud of. She did a great job,” a woman wrote.
“Charmaine you and your children brought so much joy and laughter to our Bayside church community, praying for your family in this difficult time,” another person said.
Ms McLeod and her “beautiful” kids have been remembered in numerous tributes on social media.
Kawungan State School, where Aaleyn, 6, and Matilda, 5, were students, shared the devastating news to its Facebook page on Tuesday afternoon.
Several parents with children at the school expressed their condolences to the family.
“This is just too tragic. Thinking of all the family and friends,” a comment read.
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