A 30-year-old truck driver, Christian Leslie Murray, is now facing charges after allegedly causing a collision on the Bruce Highway in Queensland, Australia, that claimed the lives of Tracey Craig, 40, and her 13-year-old son, Corey Craig. Authorities allege Murray was using Snapchat while driving moments before the crash.
The accident, which occurred on November 12, 2024, near Raglan, between Gladstone and Rockhampton, has left a family devastated and raised concerns about road safety in the region.
The Craig family was traveling south in their Nissan Navara when they slowed behind a Toyota HiLux due to a wide load ahead. According to police, Murray, operating a semi-trailer, failed to reduce his speed and collided with the Navara, propelling it into the HiLux and creating a three-vehicle pile-up. Investigators allege that Murray was distracted by his phone and used Snapchat during the moments leading up to the crash.
Tracey and Corey Craig suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Steven Craig, Tracey’s partner who was driving the Navara, sustained critical injuries and remains hospitalized in Rockhampton, while their 15-year-old son, Jayden, suffered head injuries but is in stable condition. Another son, Kai, was not in the vehicle at the time.
Murray has been charged with the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm. He was scheduled to appear in Gladstone Magistrates Court on December 9, 2024, but failed to attend. Magistrate Mary Buchanan issued a warrant for his arrest. Authorities are actively searching for Murray and have urged him to come forward.
The Calliope community, where the Craig family lived, has been profoundly affected by the loss. Corey was a student at a local high school, which is offering counseling to students and staff in mourning. A GoFundMe campaign, organized by family friend Alesha Gibson, has been launched to help with funeral expenses, Steven’s recovery, and support for the couple’s surviving sons, Jayden and Kai. The fundraiser has garnered nearly $40,000 in Australian dollars, with tributes describing Tracey as a dedicated mother and Corey as a kind and joyful teenager.
The fatal collision has reignited concerns about safety on the Bruce Highway, one of Queensland’s most heavily trafficked roads. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced plans to establish an advisory body to address highway safety in response to public outcry.
The Queensland Police Service continues to investigate the crash and has reiterated its call for Murray to surrender to authorities. Meanwhile, the Craig family and the Calliope community remain steadfast in their demand for accountability.