Young Mother, 37, Tragically Killed in Car Accident, Leaving Daughter Orphaned – February 24, 2025

Incident Overview
Maridel De Ocampo, a 37-year-old mother from the Philippines, tragically lost her life in a devastating car accident in Maffra, south-east Victoria, on Thursday, February 20, 2025 . The crash occurred when her Toyota Corolla was rear-ended by a Mitsubishi Triton ute while she was waiting to turn into a driveway along Maffra-Stratford Road. De Ocampo was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries shortly after.

Her death has left her nine-year-old daughter orphaned, as De Ocampo’s husband had also tragically passed away seven years earlier. Friends and colleagues have rallied to support the young girl, setting up a GoFundMe campaign to bring De Ocampo’s body back to the Philippines and provide for her daughter. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.

Location and Time
The tragic incident unfolded on Maffra-Stratford Road in Maffra, a small town in south-east Victoria. It happened at approximately 12:20 pm on Thursday, February 20, 2025 , during what appeared to be a routine drive to work. The road is known for its rural stretches and occasional heavy vehicle traffic, which may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Vehicles Involved
De Ocampo was driving a Toyota Corolla, a compact car often favored for its reliability and fuel efficiency. She had reportedly slowed down or stopped entirely in preparation to turn into a driveway when her vehicle was struck from behind by a Mitsubishi Triton ute. The Triton, a larger and heavier vehicle, was being driven by a 35-year-old man from Stratford. The significant size disparity between the two vehicles likely amplified the impact of the collision, leaving De Ocampo with critical injuries.

Crash Description
According to Victoria Police, it is believed that De Ocampo’s Toyota Corolla had come to a complete stop on the road as she prepared to turn into a driveway. At this moment, the Mitsubishi Triton ute, traveling behind her, failed to stop in time and collided with the rear of her vehicle. The force of the impact was severe enough to critically injure De Ocampo, prompting emergency services to airlift her to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, she succumbed to her injuries and passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The driver of the ute remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. He was assessed at the scene and later transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. While he has since been released, police continue to investigate his role in the crash, including whether factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical issues may have contributed to the collision.

Community Impact
The loss of Maridel De Ocampo has sent shockwaves through her community, both in Australia and the Philippines. Known affectionately as “Madel” to her friends and loved ones, she was remembered as a hardworking and determined woman who had sacrificed everything to provide a better life for her daughter.

De Ocampo had moved to Cairns in 2022 to study agriculture, hoping to secure a brighter future for her child. After completing her studies, she relocated to Gippsland to work on a dairy farm, just meters away from where the crash occurred. Her dedication to her daughter was evident in her tireless efforts to create opportunities for her, even in the face of immense personal challenges.

Tragically, her dream of reuniting her family and bringing her daughter to Australia was cut short. Friends describe her as a devoted mother who served as both a parent and a guiding figure for her nine-year-old daughter. Now, the young girl is left orphaned, having lost not only her mother but also her father, who passed away seven years ago.

Mark John Bitancur, a close friend of De Ocampo, expressed the profound grief felt by those who knew her. “Madel was her only source of love, guidance, and support; she was both a mother and a father to her,” he said. “Now, she is left alone, having lost the one person who worked so hard to give her a better future.”

GoFundMe Appeal
In the wake of this tragedy, friends and loved ones have rallied together to support De Ocampo’s daughter and honor her memory. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to raise funds for two primary purposes: repatriating De Ocampo’s body to the Philippines and providing financial assistance for her orphaned daughter.

Bitancur emphasized the importance of bringing De Ocampo home to the Philippines, where she can be laid to rest surrounded by her family and loved ones. “Madel has no family here in Australia,” he explained. “Our deepest wish is to bring her home so she can be reunited with her roots and given the farewell she deserves.”

The campaign has also highlighted the urgent need to support her nine-year-old daughter, who now faces an uncertain future without her mother. “We are reaching out with heavy hearts, asking for your kindness and generosity,” Bitancur said. “Any support, big or small, will help give Madel the farewell she deserves and provide some comfort to the little girl she leaves behind.”

Investigation
Victoria Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the crash, focusing on several key areas to determine how and why the collision occurred. Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward, as this evidence could prove crucial in piecing together the events leading up to the crash.

Key areas of focus include the actions of both drivers in the moments before the collision. Investigators are examining whether the driver of the Mitsubishi Triton was speeding, distracted, or otherwise impaired at the time of the crash. They are also assessing road conditions and visibility, as well as whether mechanical issues with either vehicle may have played a role.

The driver of the ute remains under investigation and is cooperating fully with police. While he has been released from the hospital, further inquiries are expected to shed light on his involvement in the crash.

Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, several potential contributing factors have been identified. These include:

• Driver distraction or inattention by the ute driver.
• Speed or failure to maintain a safe following distance.
• Road conditions or visibility issues at the time of the crash.

The crash serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly on rural roads where conditions can vary significantly. It also highlights the devastating ripple effects that a single moment of negligence can have on families and communities.