Grieving dad’s tribute
Emotional final day of inquest
THE father of a young mum killed in the Ravenshoe cafe gas explosion delivered an emotional tribute to his daughter in the closing stages of an inquest into the tragedy.
Nicole Nyholt, 37, who was working as manager of the Serves You Right cafe the day a car driven by Brian Scutt ploughed into the building, causing the blast, died from her injuries, along with 82-yearold Innot Hot Springs grandmother Margaret Clark.
Ms Nyholt’s father, Hans Nyholt, read the heartbreaking statement in court, describing how “everyday is a struggle to get out of bed”.
He and wife Vicki were overseas when the blast occurred, and he spoke of their other daughter, Michelle, staying by Nicole’s beside for three days during their mercy dash home. “That’s how strong the love and bond between the two was,” he said. “Nicole was a person who loved to live life
SCENE: The Serves You Right Cafe in Ravenshoe after the tragedy. and gave all of herself to supporting the community.
“There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t miss that beautiful smile and her quick wit. Our hearts go out to anyone who has lost a son or daughter. You cannot describe the hole it leaves in your life.”
A further 19 people were injured in the explosion, two who sat through the six-day inquest and were acknowledged by Coroner Nerida Wilson.
She said the pair had both penned victim impact statements which were “extraordinary in their courage”.
“They touch on the most intimate matters of a person’s being and beingness,” she said.
“I acknowledge (the injured victims) will never be the same.”
Ms Wilson said the inquest had highlighted a “gap” in procedures linked to doctors reporting driving bans to the Department of Transport and Main Roads. “I feel satisfied that together we have been able to make some meaning of this (tragedy),” she said.
The inquest findings are expected to be delivered within months.