A devastating road accident in Regents Park, south of Brisbane, has left the community grieving as they mourn the tragic loss of Braiden Ashley Timmins, 33, and his 4-year-old son Hendrix-hemi Te Rongomau King. The father and son were on their routine walk to get ice-cream when the tragedy struck, highlighting urgent concerns over pedestrian safety in the area.
Father and Son’s Routine Walk Ends in Tragedy
The pair were walking along Green Road just before 11 a.m. on Sunday when a ute veered off the road, tragically cutting their lives short. Hendrix-hemi was riding his balance bike, while Braiden walked alongside. Harrowing scenes unfolded near the intersection of Green and Greenridge roads, where paramedics were called but were unable to save either of them.
Their routine visits to a local 7-Eleven to buy ice-cream had endeared them to staff, who described them as regulars. In a heart-wrenching turn, the accident occurred just meters from their destination.
A Grieving Community Pays Tribute
On Monday morning, family, friends, and locals gathered at a makeshift memorial near the scene of the accident. Flowers, stuffed animals, and heartfelt tributes were laid to honor Braiden and young Hendrix-hemi. One card poignantly read “Super Dad,” while another message stated, “Uncle Braiden and our little buddy Hendrix-hemi. We love you so much. Always in our hearts.”
Braiden’s stepfather, Peter Geary, shared emotional words, remembering Hendrix-hemi as “the most beautiful little boy” with a cheeky demeanor. He also described Braiden, his stepson since the age of three, with heartfelt affection.
Community Leaders Demand Action
Local officials expressed condolences and vowed to improve road safety in the area. Woodridge MP Cameron Dick laid flowers at the site and acknowledged the immense grief felt by the family, while Logan City Councillor Jacob Heremaia called for immediate investigations into safety enhancements for Green Road, where the speed limit is currently 70km/h.
“When you take your little one for a walk to get ice-cream and you’re on a footpath, this should never happen,” said local resident Dianna Quilter, echoing growing calls for reforms to protect pedestrians.
Driver Faces Charges
The driver, 41-year-old Trevor William Galbraith from Regents Park, was taken into custody at the scene and later charged with two counts of manslaughter. Investigators revealed that he was less than two kilometers from his home when the accident occurred. He is currently in custody, with the case adjourned until October 20.
Broader Road Safety Concerns in Queensland
This tragedy is the latest in a spate of fatal road accidents across Queensland. On the same weekend, a man died in a separate incident in Greenbank, raising the state’s 2025 road toll to 187 fatalities—four more than the same period last year.
The motoring body RACQ has released data spotlighting the highest-trauma electorates, including Nanango, Mirani, Scenic Rim, and Gympie. Urging stronger enforcement, RACQ Chief Executive David Carter described the situation as a “road safety crisis.” The organization has called for the implementation of more point-to-point speed cameras and an increase in police presence on high-risk roads. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for more effective strategies.
This heartbreaking accident serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address road safety issues in Queensland. Community members and leaders alike are determined to ensure no family endures such a loss again.
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