Blast victim tribute
RAVENSHOE mother-oftwo Nicole Nyholt is being remembered as a brave and courageous woman five years after a horrific gas explosion that claimed her life and changed a small Far North community forever.
Local man Brian Scutt, 64, was on his way to a medical centre on June 9, 2015, when it’s believed he suffered a seizure at the wheel.
His four-wheel-drive crashed into Ravenshoe’s Serves You Right cafe, followed by an explosion that left two people dead and 19 people injured.
Cafe manager Nicole Nyholt, 37, and Innot Hot Springs grandmother Margaret Clark, 82, died as a result of their injuries.
Mr Scutt died last year at Cairns Hospital.
Now five years on from the deadly gas explosion, author, motorcyclist and travel blogger Heather Ward has shared a touching tribute to Ms Nyholt.
“Five years ago (yesterday) I was unexpectedly caught up in the horrific Ravenshoe cafe gas blast,” she said.
“In the chaos that immediately followed, I came across Miss Nicole.
“Badly burned, she had somehow made her way out of the burning cafe and onto the street.
“I rushed her into a nearby toilet block where I knew there would be access to water. Also, I didn’t know the likelihood of more explosions. I figured the cement toilet block would offer some protection if needed.”
Ms Ward said the bravery and courage Ms Nyholt showed in the minutes following the explosion had stuck with her over the years and inspired her.
“What I want to focus on is how brave and courageous Miss Nicole was,” she said.
“Despite her own injuries, she was very concerned and worried about others. I sensed a real spirit in her, this chick had spunk.
“Unfortunately, Miss Nicole succumbed to her injuries a few days later, but this spirited young woman left me with an attitude to live by – live life now, love the life you live.
“I was reminded of a valuable lesson from Miss Nicole that day – life is short.”