Daintree couple struggles to rebuild after devastating landslide

RECOVERY CHALLENGES

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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David Gordon, who survived a landslide destroying his house, faced a leg amputation due to gangrene from exposure to contaminated water during the mudslide. Picture: Supplied
David Gordon is working hard on his rehabilitation. Picture: Supplied

In February this year, Newsport reported on a Daintree couple’s plea for community help after surviving a landslide that destroyed their home.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events following Cyclone Jasper, Marney and David Gordon faced the ultimate test of survival when their home was engulfed in a devastating landslide. 

They not only lost everything they owned but also narrowly escaped with their lives. David's injuries were so severe from being swept away by the mud and debris that he faced the grim possibility of losing his lower leg.

Seryn Gordon, the youngest daughter of Marney and David Gordon, reached out to Newsport to share an update on their journey toward recovery.

“My dad is still in Cairns at a rehab facility,”she explained. “Unfortunately, he had to have one of his legs removed due to gangrene from exposure to contaminated water during the mudslide. Medical help was delayed for many hours.”

Seryn continued, “He’s working hard on his rehabilitation, but it’s mentally exhausting for anyone. Meanwhile, my mother remains in Daintree, focusing on making their home as safe as possible for my father's return.”

She added, “My mother can only work two days a week now because she needs to care for my dad. Despite the challenges, they remain positive, and we hope Dad will be out of the rehab centre in a month.”

To offer assistance to the family, donations can be made through their GoFundMe Page.

Some of the rocks that had tumbled down the mountain at the Gordon family’s property. Seryn Gordon compared the sound of rocks falling to a plane crashing or a building collapsing. She stands at 175cm tall. Seryn is 175cm tall. Picture: Supplied

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