Ransome Remembers Chris Vrbesic and Son After Fatal Crash

The tight-knit community of Ransome is reeling after a devastating car crash claimed the lives of Chris Vrbesic, 37, and his four-year-old son Julian on Australia Day. 



The collision, which occurred at the intersection of Rickertt Road and Chelsea Road, has left family, friends, and the broader automotive community in shock as they remember a devoted father and his vibrant young boy.  

A Life Cut Short

Chris, a well-known figure in Brisbane’s car enthusiast circles, was driving his prized Holden Commodore VK Brock sedan when the crash happened just before 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, 26 January. He died at the scene, while Julian was rushed to the Queensland Children’s Hospital, where he tragically passed away shortly after.  

Chris was a regular at local car events, including the monthly “Cars and Coffee” meet at Cafe Elle in Ransome. Cafe owner Ryan Richani described him as a “genuine, stand-up guy” who was always smiling and eager to connect with others. Mr Richani recalled how Chris had attended the event just a day before the accident, leaving behind memories of his warmth and passion for cars.  

A Community in Mourning 

The loss of Chris and Julian has sparked an outpouring of grief and support from the Ransome community and beyond. Floral tributes, teddy bears, and even a small toy car have been left at the crash site, symbolising the deep impact the pair had on those who knew them.  

The Seven of Clubs Mazda Car Club Queensland, of which Chris was a long-time member, expressed their condolences online, calling him a cherished member who would be dearly missed. 

Friends and family have also taken to social media to share their memories, describing Chris as a loving father, supportive husband, and a man who always lent a helping hand.    

A Family Left Behind 

Chris leaves behind his wife Maria and their two children, Myla and Vinnie. The family has been left heartbroken and facing significant financial challenges. A GoFundMe has been launched to support them during this difficult time.  

Brittany Claxton, the organiser of the fundraiser, highlighted Chris’s role as the family’s provider and Julian’s close bond with his father. She described Julian as an “old soul” with a cheeky grin and a love for life, who adored his “Tata” (father) and shared an unbreakable connection with him.  

As of press time, over $ 119,000 has been raised so far, with 577 donations pouring in to support the Vrbesic family following the tragic loss of Chris and Julian.



Ongoing Investigations

The Forensic Crash Unit is still investigating the cause of the crash. The driver of the other vehicle involved, a 29-year-old man, sustained minor injuries. Police are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward to assist with the investigation.  

Published 29-January-2025

Ransome Tragedy: Father and Son Killed in Intersection Crash

A tragic car crash in Ransome has claimed the lives of a local father and his four-year-old son after their vehicle collided with another car at a busy intersection.



The devastating accident has left the community in shock after Chris Vrbesic, 37, and his four-year-old son lost their lives in a two-car collision. The crash occurred just before 9 a.m. on Sunday, 26 January 2025, at the intersection of Rickertt Rd and Chelsea Rd, an area where local residents have previously raised concerns about traffic safety.

Mr Vrbesic, a father of three from Manly West, was behind the wheel of his limited-edition Holden Commodore VK Brock sedan when the collision happened. His young son was a passenger in the vehicle.

Breaking Down the Collision: Facts and Figures

Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, where Mr Vrbesic was pronounced dead. His son was transported to Queensland Children’s Hospital in a critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

The red Mitsubishi Lancer involved in the crash was driven by a 29-year-old man from Birkdale. He sustained minor injuries. Authorities have not released further details about his condition.

Police reports suggest the vehicles T-boned at the intersection, and the Forensic Crash Unit is investigating whether speed was a contributing factor.

Heartbreak in Ransome: Community Responses

The local and automotive communities have been left devastated by the loss. Mr Vrbesic, a well-known car enthusiast and project manager at Innate Developments, was a familiar face at Joe’s Diner, a popular meeting spot for car and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Tributes have poured in online, with friends describing Mr Vrbesic as a “family man with a big heart” who was always willing to lend a hand. The Seven of Clubs Mazda Car Club of Queensland, where he was a longstanding member, shared their condolences, stating he would be “dearly missed by all.”

Looking Ahead: Safety Measures and Memorials

The Forensic Crash Unit continues to investigate the incident and has urged witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward. Authorities will be assessing whether further safety measures are needed at the intersection to prevent future tragedies.



Meanwhile, the Ransome community has begun laying floral tributes at the crash site in memory of Mr Vrbesic and his son, reflecting on the profound loss of a father and child taken too soon.

Published 27-Jan-2025