An outpouring of love and sympathy has been shared following the tragic death of Filipino couple Nathan and Cheryl David, both 46, who had a fatal car crash on 10 July 2021 while on holiday in Tasmania. The family held a viewing today at Bunurong Memorial Park at 790 Frankston-Dandenong Rd in Bangholme Victoria. Unfortunately due to Covid restrictions, only limited mourners were allowed in today’s viewing – one was for 10.30 am and the second was for the 12noon session.
The surviving three children were at the service to spend their final days with their parents. At the incident, they were rushed to Launceston General Hospital and were discharged last Friday to fly back to Victoria. The family are locals in the Gippsland area. The couple are known and highly respected Pastors of the Loch Alive Christian Centre in Loch Sport.
A fundraiser organised through GoFundMe was posted on behalf of the David Family to help the three children of Nathan and Cheryl.
The Philippine Consulate of Melbourne, headed by Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo and the Council of Australian-Filipino Organizations of Victoria Inc (CAFOVI), were among the first to convey their condolences by sending flowers to the bereaved family.
The couple’s 20th wedding anniversary was scheduled on 22 August to be celebrated with friends and family in Melbourne. Just a few minutes before their death, photos of their family trip to Tasmania were posted by Cheryl on her social media. The tragic car crash happened at Exton near Deloraine, about 160 kilometres from Hobart.
The head-on car collision at the Bass Highway also involved a mother and her one-month-old baby who were reportedly discharged from the hospital. At the same time, another involved man was flown to Royal Hobart Hospital and is now in a stable condition.
Close relatives and friends posted their grief on Facebook. Cheryl’s sister, Aiole Punzalan said: “My dearest little sister Chei (Cheryl) and my brother-in-law Nathan, I am deeply in grief…but I am comforted knowing how you lived your lives for Jesus, crowns of victory awaits you in heaven. I love you… til we meet in Jesus’ feet.”
In another Facebook post posted by a close friend, who tagged Cheryl’s mother, Carmelita Isip, said: “Thank you for your lives Ptr. Nat and Ptra. Che.. I was so blessed in your life, even in the little time that I was with you when I was in Shekinah UMC, your impact and influence on my ministry was intense. Till we meet again po.”
To donate for the David Family and their three surviving children, please visit GoFundMe.
(Compiled by Alice Nicolas, Kyla Marie Nigos)
