A beloved aged care nurse has been killed in a head-on collision with an allegedly stolen utility vehicle, just four days after celebrating her 21st wedding anniversary.
Crash Details
Carron Scott, 60, was travelling to work when her Toyota Corolla was struck by an Isuzu D-Max ute on the D'Aguilar Highway at Woodford, north of Brisbane, at approximately 6:00 AM on Tuesday. The Caboolture resident sustained critical injuries and died at the scene.
The male driver of the ute, which was allegedly stolen from a Morayfield home several hours earlier, fled the scene, prompting a two-hour police manhunt. He was discovered hiding in a toilet block at a nearby school, which was placed in lockdown along with a daycare centre. No students were present at the time.
Charges Filed
The 31-year-old Ellen Grove man was taken to hospital for treatment of crash-related injuries before being charged with multiple offences. These include one count each of manslaughter, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, failing to remain at an incident, disqualified driving, drug driving, and two counts of trespass. He is scheduled to appear at Caboolture Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Family Tribute
Ms Scott's husband, Darryl, paid a heartbreaking tribute on social media: 'I am absolutely devastated. You were taken from us in an instant. Right now we are all feeling lost without you. Thank you for a wonderful 25 years together. Life will go on, but you will never be forgotten. Until we meet again on the other side. Love you forever.'
The couple had celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary just four days prior. Mr Scott had posted a music clip with the caption: 'Happy 21st wedding anniversary to my beautiful wife. Love you forever.' His wife responded: 'Love you forever.'
Community Mourning
Ms Scott leaves behind three children, just days before Mother's Day. Her son Simon Glanz told 7News: 'She was always there for me - whenever I called, she would answer.' Cousin Lee-Anne Collins wrote: 'There are no words to describe how beautiful and amazing this lady was. She was a devoted wife and mother and she loved being a nurse. She was one of God's finest.'
Ms Scott had worked for the past two years at Woodford Manor Aged Care, which also paid tribute: 'She was a respected, much loved and valued member of our team and a dedicated Registered Nurse. She will be greatly missed by colleagues, residents, and families. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all who knew her.'
Police Investigation
The highway was closed in both directions for several hours as forensic officers examined the scene. Detective Inspector Lisa Elkins described the incident as 'very tragic circumstances, to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.' Police are urging anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of the allegedly stolen ute between 3:45 AM and 6:10 AM on Tuesday to come forward.
