Gold Coast, Australia – A young mother is facing unimaginable grief after her one-month-old baby boy was killed when a ute crashed into her parked Jeep on the M1 motorway early Monday morning.
The incident happened around 2:50 a.m. when Divine Caneo, 24, had pulled over on the side of the highway near Helensvale to feed her crying baby, Jack Riordan. Moments later, a Toyota Hilux ute slammed into the back of her Jeep, causing catastrophic damage.
Baby Jack, who had been secured in a car seat, was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital but tragically could not be saved. His mother also sustained serious injuries but is now recovering.
The 51-year-old driver of the ute was treated for minor injuries at the scene. Police have confirmed that he is assisting with their ongoing investigation.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said a Queensland Police spokesperson. “Our priority is to determine exactly how this crash occurred and whether any charges will be laid.”
Friends have started a fundraiser to support Divine as she copes with the loss of her son and the trauma of the crash. Tributes have poured in from the community, with many leaving flowers and heartfelt messages near the site of the tragedy.
Police are urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area between 2:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. to come forward as the investigation continues.