Driver accused of ‘deliberately’ mowing down a rugby league legend in horrific Christmas Day tragedy is charged with murder
- Russell Klein, 55, was at his Millmerran home in QLD on Christmas Day
- He was killed when a car allegedly ploughed into his property at night
- The driver has been charged with murder and faces court on Tuesday
A driver has been charged over the murder of a local Rugby League legend on Christmas Day, after he allegedly ploughed his car into the victim at his home.
Russell Klein, 55, was outside his house in Millmerran in Queensland‘s Toowoomba region when he was allegedly struck by the driver at around 9:35pm, before the vehicle then slammed into his property.
Paramedics were called and attempted to treat the critically injured Mr Klein but he tragically died at the scene.
Queensland Police allege the 30-year-old driver ‘deliberately drove into’ Mr Klein, fled the scene on foot and was found at a nearby park shortly after and arrested.
‘He has been charged with one count each of murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, possess drug utensils, authority required to possess explosives and driving a motor vehicle without a driver licence,’ QLD police said.
‘He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Toowoomba Magistrates Court tomorrow (December 27).’
Russell Klein (pictured), 55, died at his Millmerran home in Queensland’s Toowoomba region on Christmas day
Neighbours told The Chronicle they heard a commotion between two people, a loud bang and a call for help as the incident unfolded.
‘I heard a lot of shouting and arguing and a car revving but I thought it was hoons, so I didn’t go out,’ she said.
‘You don’t know what they could be armed with these days.
‘Then I heard a loud bang and someone crying out help me, help me.’
She ran over to Mr Klein’s home and found the father partially trapped under his house.
She tried to pull him out with the help of another local as a third resident called emergency services.
He was killed when a motorist allegedly ploughed their car into his home at around 9:35pm
Mr Klein was known for being heavily involved in local Rugby League. He played football for numerous clubs
Ms Saunders told the publication: ‘He was such a lovely person, he would do anything for you and give you the shirt off his back.’
‘I used to get him a Mitre 10 gift card for Christmas each year to say thank you for doing my nature strip but I didn’t get to give it to him this year.’
Mr Klein was known for being heavily involved in local Rugby League throughout the Toowoomba region.
He played for the Pittsworth Danes, Millmerran Rams and Inglewood Roosters during his league career.
He rejoined the Pittsworth Danes and played football alongside his sons in 2018
He rejoined the Pittsworth Danes and played football alongside his sons in 2018.
‘How many blokes get the chance to play footy with their two sons? It’s the best thing you can do,’ he told Queensland Rugby League.
The investigation into Mr Klein’s death is ongoing.
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