Upper Lockyer lawn mower death: Woman killed in late-night lawnmower horror is the mother-of-three wife of an RAAF squadron leader

EXCLUSIVE 

A mother-of-three killed in a reported lawn mower accident was a beloved local psychologist married to a RAAF serviceman, Daily Mail Australia can reveal.

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.  

Police were called to the rural property after reports she was crushed by a mower that rolled down an embankment, with Ms Crawford declared dead at the scene. 

Police are yet to make an official statement on how the case is being treated. 

Her husband Robert Crawford is a 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.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest that Mr Crawford was involved in his wife’s death. 

Queensland Police have refused to comment on the tragic mystery, but reiterated that ‘police will prepare a report for the Coroner’. 

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 

According to LinkedIn, Mr Crawford has had numerous roles throughout his 14 years with the RAAF, including as a flight commander and staff officer.

In recent years, he has featured as a poster boy for the Australian Defence Force in social media posts, spruiking the efforts of the armed services in Queensland. 

In 2021, he was pictured alongside the captain of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force after an alliance was formed with RAAF. 

‘Exposure to new ways of thinking and sharing skills with the PNGDF is invaluable for all of us at No. 35 Squadron,’ Squadron Leader Crawford said at the time. 

‘We look forward to helping our closest neighbour rebuild their sovereign aviation capability and safety systems.

‘In turn, the PNGDF will help us in our mountainous flying training, airfield facility access and other training exercises in PNG, working side-by-side on future joint humanitarian and disaster relief operations.’

Meanwhile, Ms Crawford worked for Quality Life Psychology Services in Toowoomba, where she ‘provided clinical assessments and therapy for adults, adolescents and children’.

Detectives spent Tuesday collecting evidence from the home (including the lawnmower, pictured) which has now been declared a crime scene

Frances Crawford died after the lawnmower rollover incident at the property on Thomas Road (pictured), in Upper Lockyer

In a statement, the clinic said Ms Crawford 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,’ they 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.’ 

Detectives spent Tuesday collecting evidence from the home, which has been declared a crime scene. 

Police have also been interviewing local residents and collecting CCTV footage as part of the investigation. 

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Australian Defence Force for comment.