EXCLUSIVE
The grieving parents of a mother-of-three killed in a fatal late-night lawnmower incident say their RAAF pilot son-in-law has been left heartbroken by the tragedy.
Frances Crawford, aged in her 40s, was found dead at her home on Thomas Road at Upper Lockyer, southeast Queensland, at 3.40am on Tuesday.
Her body was found after police were called to the property following reports she had been crushed by a ride-on lawnmower.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Thursday, Ms Crawford’s parents Joke and Ben Pilon said their son-in-law Robert was devastated by his wife’s death.
They dismissed local reports police had previously been contacted due to domestic violence matters at the home.
‘He’s broken,’ Ms Pilon said. ‘They lived here happily together. It’s rumours.’
The Pilons said their daughter, a psychologist, grew up in the local Toowoomba area, and the community has been left reeling in the wake of her death.
Frances Crawford, aged in her 40s, (pictured) was found dead at her home on Thomas Road, at Upper Lockyer, near Toowoomba, in south-east Queensland , at about 3.40am on Tuesday
A police vehicle is seen at the rural property on Thursday morning
One of the vehicles included a cop in an unmarked ute
Ms Crawford leaves behind her husband, three children, her parents, and siblings.
Her parents spoke out after detectives staged a massive swoop on the rural property on Thursday morning as investigations into the death continue.
Nine police cars were seen arriving at the property, which is located in bushland at the end of a 1km-long driveway.
The vehicles included two forensics vans, detectives in a four-wheel drive, a ute filled with forensics supplies, two patrol vehicles, and uniformed officers in an unmarked car.
The Pilons said police have been poring over the home, which remains a crime scene, with Mr Crawford asked to temporarily vacate the property amid the investigation.
Despite the huge police presence at the couple’s home, detectives have yet to confirm how Ms Crawford’s death is being treated.
Mr Crawford is an RAAF cargo plane pilot and squadron leader – a senior role and the equivalent of a Major in the Army – who operates out of the Royal Australian Air Force base at Amberley, about 8km southwest of Ipswich.
Over the past two decades, the couple have lived around Australia – including in Sydney, Adelaide and in Queensland – as Sqn Ldr Crawford worked numerous roles within Australian Defence Force.
Husband Robert Crawford (pictured) is an squadron leader – a senior role and the equivalent of a Major in the Army – who operates out of the Royal Australian Airforce Amberley Base
Detectives spent Tuesday collecting evidence from the home (including the lawnmower, pictured) which has now been declared a crime scene
Forensics equipment could be seen in one of the arrive cars
Tributes have begun to flow for the respected psychologist, who has been remembered for her ‘gentle nature’ and kindness.
Quality Life Psychology Services said she was a ‘dearly loved and well-respected member’ of their team.
‘Frances always took the time to ask after others with kindness and consideration, often responding with humility and thoughtful humour,’ the clinic said.
‘Frances was easy to be around and her gentle nature will be sadly missed but long remembered by her colleagues, friends and clients at Quality Life Psychology Services.
‘Our hearts and prayers are with Frances family at this tragic time.’
