EXCLUSIVE
Police have announced they are treating the fatal late-night lawn mower death of a mother-of-three as suspicious.
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.
Her body was found after police were called to the property following reports she had been crushed by a ride-on lawnmower.
‘Further investigations have led police to deem the death as suspicious and investigations are underway into the circumstances,’ Queensland Police said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
‘Police are still waiting on the results of forensics testing.’
The bombshell update comes Ms Crawford’s family broke their silence on Thursday morning as police were seen swooping on the rural property.
Speaking to Daily Mail , Ms Crawford’s parents Joke and Ben Pilon said their son-in-law Robert, an RAAF pilot, was devastated by his wife’s death.
They dismissed local reports police had previously been contacted due to domestic violence matters at the home and there is no suggestion that he was in any way involved in Ms Crawford’s death.
‘He’s broken,’ Ms Pilon said.
‘They lived here happily together. It’s rumours.’
The Pilons said their daughter, a psychologist, grew up in the local Toowoomba area, and the community has been left reeling in the wake of her death.
Ms Crawford leaves behind her husband, three children, her parents, and siblings.
Nine police cars were seen arriving at the property, which is located in bushland at the end of a 1km-long driveway.
The vehicles included two forensics vans, detectives in a four-wheel drive, a ute filled with forensics supplies, two patrol vehicles, and uniformed officers in an unmarked car.
The Pilons said police have been poring over the home, which remains a crime scene, with Mr Crawford asked to temporarily vacate the property amid the investigation.
Mr Crawford is an RAAF cargo plane pilot and squadron leader – a senior role and the equivalent of a Major in the Army – who operates out of the Royal n Air Force base at Amberley, about 8km southwest of Ipswich.
Over the past two decades, the couple have lived around – including in Sydney, Adelaide and in Queensland – as Sqn Ldr Crawford worked numerous roles within n Defence Force.
Tributes have begun to flow for the respected psychologist, who has been remembered for her ‘gentle nature’ and kindness.
Quality Life Psychology Services said she 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,’ the clinic 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.’