Unthinkable Loss: A Family’s Tragedy on the Capricorn Highway
A devastating car accident on Queensland’s Capricorn Highway has claimed the lives of Shaun Ranger, his two young children, Baylee (7) and Chandler (6), and another adult passenger, Corey. This horrific event, which occurred on Sunday, July 20th, 2025, left Shaun’s partner, Renee Carla Jenkins, and their youngest daughter, 2-year-old Saphora, to grapple with an unimaginable grief. Saphora, thankfully, was traveling in a separate vehicle at the time of the collision.
A Head-On Collision and Its Devastating Aftermath
The accident involved a head-on collision between a Holden Commodore, carrying Shaun, Corey, and his two eldest children, and a Toyota Hilux traveling in the opposite direction. The impact was so severe that both vehicles caught fire, resulting in horrific injuries for those inside the Commodore, as described by Rockhampton Police Inspector Ben Wiltshire. Inspector Wiltshire poignantly highlighted the fragility of life and the critical need for heightened road safety awareness, emphasizing that a moment’s lapse in concentration can have devastating and irreversible consequences. The two occupants of the Toyota Hilux sustained serious injuries; one remains in stable condition, while the other fights for their life.
Remembering Shaun, Baylee, and Chandler
The loss has been particularly profound for Renee, who described her heartbreak to ABC News, stating her heart had been “ripped to shreds.” She painted a vivid picture of her beloved children; Baylee, a “ray of sunshine” whose smile could brighten any room, and Chandler, a gentle and loving soul with a passion for the outdoors. Renee also shared moving words about Shaun, her fiancé, calling him a deeply invested partner and a devoted father who would do anything for his family.
Community Support and a Candlelight Vigil
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign, organized by family friend Chantel Semple, has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and provide support for Renee and Saphora. Chantel’s heartfelt words described Shaun as a dedicated and selfless father, while echoing Renee’s sentiments about the vibrant personalities of Baylee and Chandler. Renee herself has extended an invitation to the Blackwater community to a candlelight vigil, a testament to the outpouring of love and support surrounding the family.
The Ongoing Investigation and a Call for Road Safety
The accident is part of a concerning trend of fatal crashes on Queensland roads; ten people lost their lives in road accidents that weekend alone, bringing the state’s 2025 road toll to 158 as of July 20th. While the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, no criminal charges have been filed yet. The authorities, along with this article, reiterate the imperative need for increased vigilance on the roads and express deep condolences to the bereaved family and the wider community affected by this heart-wrenching loss.
