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Incident Overview
A 22-year-old university student , Jocelyn Grace Mollee , tragically lost her life in a six-car crash on the Bruce Highway in Palmview , Queensland, on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 . The crash was allegedly caused by a 41-year-old man , Bradley Donald Towle , who is accused of being under the influence of drugs and embarking on a violent carjacking rampage that included shooting a man in the arm.
Jocelyn was a passenger in a vehicle driven by a 22-year-old man , who sustained injuries in the crash. Her grieving mother, Amanda Chippendale , described her as a “gentle soul” and “pillar of society,” paying tribute to her passion for chemical engineering and her love for helping others.
Towle has been charged with 15 offenses , including dangerous driving causing death and armed robbery , and remains hospitalized under police guard. Investigations are ongoing, with further charges likely.
Location and Time
- Crash Date: Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 (approximately 12:10 pm).
- Location: Bruce Highway, Palmview, Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Vehicles Involved
- A **red Porsche Macan** allegedly involved in the initial crash (driven by Towle).
- A **Nissan Micra** carrying Jocelyn Mollee (deceased) and the 22-year-old driver (injured).
- A **white SsangYong Rexton** stolen after Towle allegedly shot its 62-year-old driver in the arm.
- A **grey Mazda 3** stolen during a driving lesson before Towle’s arrest.
Injuries/Fatalities
- Fatality: Jocelyn Grace Mollee (22) died as a result of the crash.
- Serious Injuries:
- The 22-year-old driver of the Nissan Micra sustained injuries.
- The 62-year-old driver of the SsangYong Rexton was shot in the arm but survived.
- No injuries reported for the occupants of the grey Mazda 3.
Tribute from Family
Jocelyn’s mother, Amanda Chippendale, shared heartfelt memories of her daughter, describing her as a compassionate and ambitious young woman:
- “She was a beautiful young woman, gentle soul, and a hard worker. She was going to be a pillar of society.”
- Jocelyn was in her fourth year of a **chemical engineering degree** at the **University of Queensland**, focusing on water quality and sustainability.
- Her passion was ensuring people had access to sufficient and clean water. She was also known for her love of books, nature, and her ability to make people laugh.
“My heart is shattered. We’re broken into a million pieces.”
— Amanda Chippendale, Jocelyn’s mother
Police Investigation
The Queensland Police are investigating the incident, focusing on:
- The sequence of events leading to the crash, including Towle’s alleged drug use and erratic behavior.
- Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the incident.
- Potential factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure involving the vehicles.
Authorities have confirmed that Towle’s case was briefly mentioned in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday, April 22, and he is expected to appear again once released from hospital. Further charges are anticipated as investigations continue.
“Police said investigations are continuing, and further charges were likely.”
— Queensland Police statement
Charges Against Bradley Donald Towle
Towle, 41, has been charged with the following offenses:
- Dangerous driving causing death.
- Armed robbery (two counts).
- Possessing dangerous drugs (two counts).
- Unlawful possession of a firearm used to commit an indictable offense.
- Driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance.
- Other related offenses, totaling 15 charges.
He was arrested near Steve Irwin Way in Landsborough after officers discovered a loaded shotgun in the stolen Mazda 3.
Appeal for Information
Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance in piecing together the events surrounding the incidents. Anyone with information, particularly dashcam or CCTV footage from the area, is urged to contact police:
- Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
- Witnesses are encouraged to share dashcam footage, CCTV recordings, or any observations about the vehicles involved or Towle’s behavior prior to the crash.
Community Impact
This tragic incident has deeply shaken the local community, particularly given the loss of a promising young life like Jocelyn’s. Her dedication to improving water quality and her vibrant personality have left a lasting impact on those who knew her. The involvement of firearms and reckless driving highlights the urgent need for road safety awareness and vigilance against violent crimes.