“Tragedy Strikes as Local Mother Helen Bradford Swept to Her Death in Queensland Floodwaters”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Title: Tragedy Strikes Queensland as Two Women Lose Their Lives in Devastating Storm

Introduction:

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a beloved local mother, Helen Bradford, has been identified as one of two women tragically swept away by raging floodwaters on Boxing Day. The Queensland town of Gympie, located north of Brisbane, was hit by a freak storm that led to this devastating incident. As the community mourns the loss of these vibrant individuals, it is important to remember their love for adventure and the outdoors.

The Unfortunate Incident:

Helen Bradford and Tanya Hehir, both outdoor enthusiasts and mothers, were exploring a stormwater drain known as ‘The Love Tunnel’ near Gympie when they were caught by rapidly rising waters. Despite their companion managing to scramble to safety and call for help, Helen and Tanya were swept into the Mary River around 2:30 pm. After an extensive search, Helen’s body was found near the drain’s entrance at 7:10 pm on Tuesday, while Tanya’s body was discovered near the weir the following day at midday.

A Life of Adventure:

Helen Bradford, 40, worked at the Coffee Club and was an avid cyclist, runner, and hiker. She found solace in climbing mountains and exploring wilderness trails. Similarly, Tanya Hehir, 46, had a passion for running and had even hiked the iconic WWII Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. Both women shared a love for the outdoors and were dedicated mothers, with Tanya leaving behind two children.

Additional Tragedies:

The storm’s fury extended beyond the loss of Helen and Tanya. Three Queenslanders tragically lost their lives in a boating accident on Moreton Bay during the same storm. Robert Holden, a 48-year-old man, along with former Queensland rugby union players David Logan and Stephen Tait, were part of a group of 11 friends whose boat capsized. While the other eight individuals were rescued, the bodies of the three men were only recovered after the storm had passed.

Remembering the Victims:

Robert Holden is being remembered as a selfless individual who always prioritized the needs of others. His son, Joshua Holden, has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses and support his mother, Michelle. The fundraising page has already received over $3,000 in donations. Additionally, family friend Julie-Ann Clark paid tribute to Robert on social media, expressing her sorrow and offering condolences to his wife, Michelle.

The Youngest Victim:

Amidst the devastating storm, nine-year-old Mia Holland-McCormack tragically lost her life after being swept into a drain by floodwaters. Mia, who was severely autistic, had wandered away from her home in Rochedale South, southeast Brisbane. A GoFundMe page has been established to support Mia’s parents, Ryan and Kayla, who now face the daunting task of funeral arrangements while coping with the loss of their beloved daughter.

Additional Storm-Related Fatalities:

In Victoria, a woman and a man lost their lives while camping in Buchan in the state’s Gippsland region. Meanwhile, another man died after being struck by a falling tree branch while camping in Caringal, in eastern Victoria. The storms have claimed a total of 10 lives in Queensland and Victoria combined.

Reflections on the Storm Warnings:

Following the devastating storms, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate criticized the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for issuing a severe weather alert after the storm had already begun. Mayor Tate emphasized the need for improved communication and warnings to ensure the safety of residents. The BOM responded, stating that several severe thunderstorm warnings had been issued before and during Christmas Day. Despite these warnings, the storms wreaked havoc, causing significant power outages and damage.

Conclusion:

The Queensland and Victoria communities mourn the loss of loved ones in the wake of these devastating storms. Helen Bradford, Tanya Hehir, Robert Holden, Mia Holland-McCormack, and others will be remembered for their zest for life and love for the outdoors. As the affected regions recover from the storm’s aftermath, it is crucial to reflect on the importance of improved communication and preparedness to prevent such tragedies in the future..