A family’s camping trip ended in tragedy when a father and two young children were killed in a fiery crash, leaving a mother and toddler to mourn alone.
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, a father and two of his children were killed in a high-speed head-on crash in Australia.
Police siren. | Source: Pixabay
Shaun Ranger, a father of three, died alongside his children Baylee, 7, and Chandler, 6. His third child, 2-year-old Saphora, was fortunately traveling in a separate vehicle with her mother, Renee Carla Jenkins, at the time of the accident.
The crash occurred on Queensland’s Capricorn Highway, between the towns of Blackwater and Comet. The family had been driving home from a camping trip. Another adult in their car, identified as Corey, also died in the crash.
Duaringa- Emerald stretch of the Capricorn Highway in Queensland, Australia, c. 1978. | Source: Flickr/queenslandstatearchives
According to authorities, Shaun, Corey, and the children were traveling toward Blackwater in a Holden Commodore when a Toyota Hilux, headed in the opposite direction, collided with them head-on. Both vehicles subsequently caught fire.
Rockhampton Police Inspector Ben Wiltshire said the victims suffered “horrific” injuries.
Police line set around a crime scene. | Source: Wikimedia Commons
“This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety,” Wiltshire told ABC, adding:
“A split second can have lifelong consequences”
Baylee and Chandler Ranger smile in an undated picture. | Source: GoFundMe
Authorities said there were two men in the Toyota Hilux: a 28-year-old who is currently stable and a 27-year-old who is fighting for his life after sustaining extensive injuries in the crash.
For Renee, the loss has been devastating. She told ABC her heart had been “ripped to shreds,” adding that “I love them so deeply and just want them to come home, but I know they can’t.”
Shaun Ranger pushes a baby stroller at sunset accompanied by his children Chandler and Baylee and their dogs. | Source: GoFundMe
She described Baylee as “a ray of sunshine that would always light up the room just with a smile,” and said her son Chandler “was ever so gentle and loving.”
Regarding Shaun, Renee said that “My fiance was an invested partner and devoted father that would go to the ends of the earth [sic] for the kids and I.”
Shaun Ranger and Renee Carla Jenkins pose together in undated picture. | Source: GoFundMe
Following the tragedy, family friend Chantel Semple organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with funeral costs and to support Renee and Saphora.
“Shaun, Baylee and Chandler were cherished and loved by many and brought so much joy and light into our lives,” wrote Chantel.
Shaun Ranger with his children Baylee and Chandler smiling and leaning on a rock outcropping in an undated picture. | Source: GoFundMe
She went on to say Baylee “had a cheeky smile, bubbly personality and a love for horses,” while Chandler “was a sweet and kind hearted little boy, full of life and loved the outdoors.”
Of Shaun, Chantel said he was “a dedicated and selfless father, supportive friend and loving partner.”
On Facebook, Renee shared a flyer inviting the local community to a candlelight vigil in remembrance of her loved ones. “Please — would love to see any and everyone ❤️ in Blackwater,” she wrote.
The incident is one of several recent deadly crashes on Queensland’s roads. Ten people were killed in road accidents that weekend, bringing the Australian state’s 2025 road toll to 158 as of July 20.
So far, the crash has not resulted in criminal charges. Police intend to conduct a thorough investigation, after which more information will be made available.
We join the authorities in emphasizing the vital importance of road safety and extend our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the victims during this difficult time.