A few days before tragedy struck, Rhiley Kuhrt shared a video that’s now etched in the hearts of those who loved him. The pilot, smiling in the cockpit of his white-and-green Piper Cherokee, laughed as his dogs joined him on a scenic flight over Queensland. That video, lighthearted and carefree, would soon become a heartbreaking memory.
Rhiley and his pregnant wife, Maree, were traveling from Natal Downs cattle station in North Queensland to Lakeside Airpark at Bloomsbury. The couple never made it. When they didn’t arrive as expected at 5:00 PM on Sunday, concerns grew. By 6:30 PM, air traffic control reported them missing.
After a tense overnight search, the wreckage was discovered on Monday morning in the rugged Clarke Range mountain area. Queensland Police later confirmed the devastating news: the crash had claimed both their lives.
Just hours before the accident, Maree shared a poignant post on Instagram. Cradling her growing baby bump, she wrote, “27 weeks now! Getting closer and closer to meeting baby girl.” The couple, who had celebrated a joyful gender reveal party in February, were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their daughter.
The search for the missing aircraft was challenging. Poor weather hindered efforts, but a QG Rescue helicopter eventually located the site. Authorities confirmed it was the couple’s plane.
In the wake of the tragedy, friends and family have shared an outpouring of love and grief online. One friend wrote, “Life can be so cruel. Hug your loved ones even tighter tonight. Maree, I’m sure Yia-Yia will be waiting with a fresh batch of Baklava for the three of you.”
Another reflected on the young family’s shattered future: “Twelve weeks away from the arrival of their bub… Hopes, dreams, and young lives gone in an instant. Such a tragedy.”
Rhiley and Maree’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be. Their loved ones, and even those who didn’t know them, are holding on to the joyful memories they left behind.
Let’s honor their legacy by cherishing every moment and sharing their story to keep their memory alive. Hug your loved ones a little tighter today—and don’t forget to share this story with friends and family. Life is precious.
