Accident – death – Obituary News :

Tragic Boxing Day Incident Claims the Life of Adventurous Mother

A woman who met a heartbreaking fate after being swept into a stormwater drain during a wild storm on Boxing Day has been identified as Tanya Hehir, a cherished mother and avid adventurer. The incident took place near Gympie in Queensland’s southeast, where Tanya, 46, was exploring a popular stormwater drain known as the “Love Tunnel” while on a running trail.

The unfortunate turn of events occurred around 2:30 pm on Tuesday, when an unexpected storm cell hit the region, unleashing a deluge of rain measuring 18mm within a mere 20 minutes. The sudden surge of water overpowered Tanya and two of her friends, both aged 40 and 46, dragging them into the treacherous currents of the Mary River.

While one of the women, also 46 years old, managed to reach the riverbank and call for assistance despite sustaining moderate head injuries, Tanya and her other friend were swept away by the forceful waters. Search and rescue teams immediately launched a desperate search for the missing women, combing through a 5km stretch of the river.

Tragically, the lifeless body of the 40-year-old friend was discovered near the entrance of the stormwater drain at approximately 7:10 pm on Tuesday. The search continued, and hope dwindled as hours turned into a day. Finally, around noon on Wednesday, Tanya’s body was found near Gympie Weir, bringing the devastating incident to a grim conclusion.

These events unfolded amidst a wave of severe weather wreaking havoc across Australia’s east during the holiday season. The storms claimed the lives of seven individuals in Queensland alone. Among the casualties was 59-year-old Robyn Carman from the Gold Coast, who tragically lost her life a mere 100m away from her residence when a falling tree struck her.

An additional victim of the relentless storms was a nine-year-old girl named Mia Holland-McCormack. On Boxing Day, she was swept into a drain by floodwaters in Brisbane after she jumped over the back fence of her family’s property in Rochedale South. This heartbreaking incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and deadly nature of these natural disasters.

Moreover, the storms claimed the lives of two individuals, David “Mario” Logan, a prominent figure in Brisbane Rugby, and Stephen “Taity” Tait, a dedicated schoolteacher. The tragic accident occurred when their boat capsized near Green Island in Moreton Bay on Tuesday. Out of the 11 people aboard the vessel, eight managed to survive, while David, Stephen, and another 59-year-old man lost their lives in the treacherous waters.

As a consequence of the freak storms, more than 47,000 homes have been left without power since Boxing Day. The extensive damage caused by the severe weather continues to disrupt the lives of numerous individuals across the region.

In conclusion, the untimely death of Tanya Hehir, a beloved mother and passionate adventurer, serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from Mother Nature’s fury. The tragic incident that unfolded on Boxing Day amid the wild storms has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew and loved Tanya, as well as on the wider community affected by the relentless forces of nature.

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