COMMUNITY MOURNS The Tragic Loss Of Expectant-Mother And Grandmother In Car Accident

An outpouring of grief and sympathy has fallen heavily upon the Whitsunday community this week with the news that mother-to-be Mary Joy Estrada Dela Cruz perished in a car accident near Mount Marlow on Sunday along with her 60-year-old mother who was visiting from the Philippines.

It is understood the two family members were travelling in a vehicle with their husbands when the accident took place. The two men remain in hospital fighting for their lives.

Mary Joy Estrada Dela Cruz, her parents and her husband Edgar Dela Cruz Jr. Photo source: gofundme

A wooden cross has been placed at the scene of the accident, along with flowers and a teddy bear. Photo credit: Crissy Bottrell

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Tragic Loss Devastates Community

A trip of a lifetime has turned into ultimate devastation following a tragic road accident which claimed the lives of two women and an un-born baby on Sunday afternoon.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but it had been raining heavily throughout the day so the road conditions could have played a key role in the unfolding tragedy.

A Queensland Police Services (QPS) report stated that the accident took place at Mount Marlow at approximately 1.06pm when a Nissan Navara was headed east on Shute Harbour Road when it has collided with a Toyota Landcruiser travelling in the opposite direction.

“Two passengers in the Nissan died at the scene, a 60-year-old woman and 35-year-old woman,” said the report.

“The male driver and a male passenger of the Nissan were transported to hospital with the driver remaining in a critical condition.

“Two men and two women travelling in the Toyota Landcruiser were all taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.”

Mary Joy Estrada Dela Cruz and her husband Edgar Dela Cruz Jr were expecting a child in the coming months and were enjoying cherished time together as a family with Mary Joy’s two parents who had travelled over from their home-country of the Philippines to spend time with them.

Following the tragic incident, the Filipino-Australian community organised a gofundme page to help the family with hospital and funeral costs.

Over $20,000 was donated by the community within three days.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of a devastating car accident involving our dear friends,” read the gofundme page message.

“As they navigate through this profound loss, we hope to come together to offer our support. The financial strain of funeral arrangements, medical bills, and the sudden loss of their loved ones is overwhelming. Our goal is to provide some relief and show them that they are not alone.”

If you wish to donate search ‘for Mary Joys Family Expenses’ on the gofundme website.

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Emergency Services attended the scene on Sunday afternoon. Photo supplied