Upper Lockyer: Grisly details emerge about lawnmower that caused ‘suspicious’ death of mother-of-three Frances Crawford

EXCLUSIVE

The riding lawn mower at the center of the “suspicious” death of a mother of three has a safety feature that causes the vehicle to stop moving when no one is on it.

Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead at 3.40am on Tuesday at her home on Thomas Road in Upper Lockyer, south-east Queensland. Police were called to her home after reports she had been crushed by a ride-on lawnmower.

Police announced on Thursday that the case was being treated as suspicious, just hours after 10 police cars, including several forensic investigation vehicles, were spotted on the estate.

Now Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Husqvarna ride-on mowers – such as the one towed from the site on Tuesday – are equipped with a built-in ‘dead man’s switch’.

Kill switches, a common feature on riding mowers, work by turning off key systems on the machine, such as the engine and mowing blade, when the operator leaves the seat.

The setting, which works via a pressure sensor under the saddle, can be turned off, however. It is not uncommon for riders to do this for ease of use.

It is also unclear how effective this provision would be in preventing injuries if a lawn mower runs into trouble on a slope and rolls down the embankment – ​​as was initially reported in Ms. Crawford’s death.

The revelation comes as police are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the unusual death. According to reports, investigators are puzzled as to why Mrs Crawford would be outside mowing the lawn at that time of night, in the middle of winter.

Frances Crawford, 49, (pictured) was found dead at her home on Thomas Road, in Upper Lockyer, near Toowoomba, south-east Queensland, about 3.40am on Tuesday

Detectives collected evidence from the home on Tuesday (including the lawn mower, pictured)

Husband Robert Crawford (pictured) is a squadron commander – a senior position and the equivalent of a major in the army – operating from the Royal Australian Airforce Amberley Base

Temperatures in Toowoomba dropped to as low as -5C early on Tuesday morning.

Two days after the investigation began, police announced on Thursday that they consider the death suspicious after “further investigation.”

However, detectives are still awaiting the results of the forensic investigation, including the autopsy results.

Nine police cars were seen arriving at the property, which is located in the wooded area at the end of a 1km driveway.

The vehicles consisted of two forensic vans, detectives in an SUV, a van loaded with forensic equipment, two patrol vehicles and uniformed officers in an unmarked car.

Ms Crawford is a psychologist who grew up in the Toowoomba region.

Her husband, Robert Crawford, is a freighter pilot in the RAAF and a squadron leader, a senior position comparable to that of a major in the army. He is based at the Royal Australian Air Force air base at Amberley, about 5 miles (8 km) southwest of Ipswich.

Over the past two decades the couple have lived across Australia, including Sydney, Adelaide and Queensland, where Sqn Ldr Crawford has held various positions within the Australian Defence Force.

Above you see one of the nine police cars that arrived at the building on Thursday

A police car is seen leaving the estate on Thursday afternoon after the case was deemed suspicious

Forensic equipment was seen in one of the arriving cars

Ms Crawford’s parents Joke and Ben Pilon told Daily Mail Australia their son-in-law Robert was devastated by his wife’s death.

“He’s broken,” said Mrs. Pilon.

‘They lived here happily together.’

Tributes have been pouring in for Mrs Crawford, who is remembered for her “gentle nature” and kindness.

Her brother, David Pilon, said she had “a loving heart.”

“She loved Jesus and it is a great comfort to her family and friends that she is now at peace in heaven,” he told the Toowoomba Chronicle.

Mr Crawford’s family said in a statement to Seven News that her gentle grace and compassionate nature will be missed by all.

“She cared deeply about those around her and put their needs above her own,” it read.

‘Frances was taken from her family far too early, but she touched the lives of so many people during her 49 lifetimes.’

Ms Crawford is a psychologist who grew up in the Toowoomba region

He added that she had “a beautiful soul inside and out.”

According to Quality Life Psychology Services, she was a “much loved and respected member” of their team.

“Frances always took the time to ask kindly and considerately about others and often responded with humility and thoughtful humor,” the clinic said.

‘Frances was a pleasant person to be around and her gentle nature will be greatly missed, but she will be long remembered by her colleagues, friends and clients at Quality Life Psychology Services.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Frances’ family at this tragic time.”

Mrs. Crawford was also an active member of the Restoration Church in Toowoomba.

“She loved Jesus and lived a life that reflected him,” Pastor Peter Sondergeld told Seven News.

‘She was a beautiful person and her passing has left a void in our hearts.