A young Calamvale family is grappling with unexpected financial hardship following the sudden death of devoted father Chris Leigh, 38, in a tragic household accident.
Chris, a skilled floor sander, died earlier this month after falling at his home and remaining in a coma for several weeks at Princess Alexandra Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Mirela, 33, and their two children, Miranda, 10, and Calum, 8.
Community Impact and Personal Loss
The sudden loss has deeply affected the tight-knit family and the broader community. Those who knew Chris described him as a grounded, humble man with a quick wit and a gentle spirit.
He was profoundly dedicated to his family, always present for his children and wholeheartedly supportive of Mirela’s career in disability care. Despite the physical demands of his work, friends noted he never complained, his focus always on providing for his family and creating a joyful and stable home environment.
Mirela Leigh expressed that her life changed dramatically in a matter of seconds. She stated that while she was grateful their last day together was wonderfully relaxing, she deeply regretted not having completed the couple’s financial planning goals. Mirela shared that Chris was her best friend and that they were still young with many plans for the future.
She mentioned their last day together was peaceful and full of love, and she did not know it would be his last. Mirela explained that the death was unexpected, and like most young couples, their finances were not fully up to date. She recalled that Chris did not want a funeral or a fuss, but they did want things to be in order, never imagining they would be in this position so soon.
Financial Challenges and Support
Mirela confirmed the couple had updated their income insurances last year but had not completed all the necessary paperwork. She acknowledged that they would often say, “it doesn’t matter,” and despite having dealt with much sadness in their family, they did not create a will, never thinking Chris’s life would be so short.
In a fortunate turn, the couple’s family connected Mirela with a solicitor to help navigate the legal and financial complexities. To help bridge the financial gap while Mirela takes time off work to care for her children and grieve, Chris’s brother-in-law, Gary McLachlan, launched a GoFundMe campaign.
The campaign has successfully raised $16,000 in a few days, with the response from friends, family, and even strangers providing some relief as the family navigates this incredibly difficult period. Chris was also a registered organ donor, and in his passing, he was able to give many people a second chance at life.
Published Date 2-Jun-2025
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