GoFundMe campaign set up for Carol Early, Tony Buckley

A GoFundMe campaign set up to help the devastated husband of the beloved 34-year-old expat has had a massive response, blasting past its target figure in less than a week.

Ms Early and her husband, 32-year-old Irish national Tony Buckley, married in Australia and planned to build a new life together here.

But the couple’s dreams were cut short when they were involved in a horror collision with another vehicle at the Ford Rd and Priestdale Rd roundabout in Priestdale after visiting the Tiny Homes Expo.

The two cars were engulfed in flames after the head-on collision.

Police say early investigations suggest the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions when they clipped each other, crashed and then burst into flames.

Florian Archer, a friend of Mr Buckley, told 7 News that Ms Early was sitting in the passenger seat of Mr Buckley’s ute when the force of the collision pushed the vehicle more than 20m before it was pinned against a power pole.

Mr Archer said a passing motorist pulled Mr Buckley from his ute before it burst into flames.

“He pulled up and helped Tony out of the car because the car was on its side,” Mr Archer said.

“Then Tony went to go back and get his wife out and the guy just pulled him away from the car.

“And then the whole thing went up in flames.”

Ms Early died at the scene.

Police are investigating the crash and no charges have been laid.

Ms Early and Mr Buckley moved to Australia six years ago.

Ms Early comes from the Irish village of Donore north of Dublin.

She worked in graphic design and print production and Mr Buckley worked as a vehicle mechanic.

Four days ago Mr Archer set up a GoFundMe to help Mr Buckley return his wife’s remains to her native land.

The initial target was $5000 but the GoFundMe has blown past the figure, hitting more than $35,000 as of Thursday morning.,

“Please help us help Tony take Carol’s remains home,” Mr Archer writes on the page.

“Tony is now faced with the costs of the funeral and returning Carol to her native soil of Ireland.”

Donors, both Irish and Australian, have dug deep to give some small relief to Mr Buckley and pay tribute to his beloved wife.

“Rest in peace Carol. You brought so much joy to so many people. Your smile, beauty and talent will never be forgotten. Thinking of Tony and all your heartbroken family and friends. Praying for you all. Sophie, Shane and Mike,” Mike Egan wrote.

“I knew Carol from her Graphic design works in Brisbane – my office was across the road and she assisted me on some projects in the past 12 months – this is just awful news – she always had a smile and us both being Irish we had a little slagging about Drogheda and Limerick – she was telling me her plans for Australia and future with her husband, full of joy and hope – life is so cruel,” Robert Brouder wrote.

“I was in school with Carol Such awful news. May she rest in power,” Sinead Crilly wrote.