Father of woman, 23, who died when she fell from the back of a ute stuns court with heartfelt letter DEFENDING the man who was behind the wheel
- Grace Ruhle, 23, died when she fell from the back of a ute near Brisbane
- A 19-year-old was behind the wheel at the time, and held her body on the road
- The woman’s father said he is concerned for the teenager’s mental health
The heartbroken father of a young woman who died when she fell off the back of a ute shocked a courtroom when he said he felt sorry for the teenager who was behind the wheel.
Grace Ruhle, 23, died when she fell from the tray of a ute driven by Hunter John Stojczan along Springvale Road in Springvale, west of Brisbane, at about 10.30pm on April 2.
The 19-year-old was charged with failing to provide a breath test and driving with a person in part of the vehicle that’s only designed to carry goods and appeared in Dalby Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.
In an incredible letter read out to the court, Grace’s devastated father Craig Ruhle wrote that he had ‘no malice’ towards the teenager who was driving when his daughter died and was ‘more concerned’ for his mental health.
Ms Ruhle has been remembered by family and friends as a ‘one in a million’ individual, who will be ‘missed by so many’
‘I hold absolutely no malice toward Hunter whatsoever. I’m more concerned for his future and the welfare of his family,’ Mr Ruhle said, according to the Dalby Herald.
Defence lawyer Christopher Copley told the court that Stojczan was paralysed with fear as he held Grace’s body on the side of the road.
He was surrounded by friends and family, who removed him from the tragic scene.
In his statement, Mr Ruhle said he was glad the man had loved ones there to help him.
‘I am actually glad he had loving adults around him in a time of need, particularly that he had just witnessed something nobody should ever have to see, the death of one of his best friends,’ Mr Ruhle’s said.
Grace Ruhle (pictured), a 23-year-old Queenslander, died on April 2 after falling from the back of a ute
‘My personal opinion is that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, a culmination of circumstances which lead to Hunter being the one [who] was chosen to drive my daughter’s vehicle at that time.’
He said he has no ill feelings towards the teenager, and is ‘more concerned for his future and the welfare of his family’.
Magistrate Tracy Mossop said Mr Ruhle’s statement was important when considering sentencing and praised him for supporting Stojczan.
She told him to honour Mr Ruhle’s sentiments and ensure he continues on ‘the right path’.
Stojczan pleaded guilty and was fined $900 for failing to provide a specimen of breath, and disqualified from driving for nine months and there was no conviction recorded.
In his statement, Mr Ruhle said he was glad the man had loved ones there to help him. Pictured: The scene of the tragedy
He was also fined $1,200 and convicted for driving with a person in the tray of his ute.
Following her death, Grace’s friends and family took to social media to pay tribute to the young woman.
‘Gracie girl, your unique spark will be remembered by all who where lucky enough to know you. You’re cherished by countless and will be missed by so many,’ one friend posted on Facebook.
Ms Ruhle was also described as ‘unique’ in an emotional post, with one friend noting she will be ‘forever missed’.
‘I love you Gracie but sleep well for now and we’ll see you soon.’
Another said: ‘Forever in our hearts Gracie, such a blessing to have you in my life. Fly high beautiful’.
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