A devastated father and interstate truck driver is demanding an industry “shake-up.” The tragic death of his 14-year-old daughter, Willow Paige Gollan-Essex, in a horrific three-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway has prompted his emotional plea.
The fatal collision occurred just before 2 a.m. on Friday, October 10, at Apple Tree Creek in the Bundaberg region.
According to Queensland Police, a Volvo prime mover travelling northbound collided with a white Mazda CX-5 and a white Toyota Hilux, both travelling southbound.
Meanwhile, paramedics declared the passenger deceased at the scene. The crash did not physically injure the drivers of the other two vehicles. They were a 22-year-old man from Sarina and a 31-year-old truck driver from Park Ridge.
Truck Driver Jason Essex Shared A Life of Promise Cut Short
Willow is remembered as a vibrant girl with a bright future ahead. Her father, Jason Essex, a truck driver from Aaron Fuller Transport, shared that she was a promising dance student. She had just been selected for an elite-level dance class.
“Willow had just been selected into an elite level of dance class. She wanted to get into dance academy,” Jason said, his voice raw with heartache. He described her as “the life of our world” .
A Father’s Heartbreak and a Fury of a Truck Driver
The devastating news “no parent should ever have to bear” woke Jason Essex on the morning of October 10. Having spent 25 years as a long-haul interstate driver, he now finds himself on the other side of a tragedy he has seen all too often.
“My two daughters and my son-in-law were travelling in two separate vehicles when they were struck by a truck. The driver gets a fine and I lose my daughter… she can’t come home because of the stupidity of our industry,” Jason told Big Rigs.
Through his grief, Jason is channeling his anguish into a demand for change. Moreover, he criticizes an industry that, in his view, quickly sweeps serious incidents under the rug.
“Too many companies sweep it under the rug, they pay the fine, replace the truck and put a new driver in the seat tomorrow, like it never happened,” Jason stated.
Likewise, Jason is calling on governments and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to take action to improve safety for all road users.
“The whole industry needs a shake-up. We badly need to see changes in this industry and if the loss of my baby girl Willow Paige is why, then her unfortunate and senseless death has a reason and a purpose,” Jason said.
National Context and Investigation
This tragic event adds to Queensland’s rising road toll, which now stands at 237 for the year, compared to 223 at the same time last year.
This tragedy occurs against a national backdrop of increased focus on road safety. The Australian government is running campaigns and implementing a National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30. This strategy aims for significant reductions in road trauma.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances of the collision and is appealing to anyone with information or relevant dash cam footage to contact police, with reporting from the Queensland Police Service and ABC News.
Important Message: Don’t let another family’s story end in unanswered questions. In a moment, a life can be shattered, and the truth can be the first casualty. Honor Willow’s memory by taking control of your safety.
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