Community & Business
17 December, 2025
“Lozza’s Legacy” to benefit others
In April last year a popular young local, Lauren Smith passed away overnight at the age of 21, a victim of Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), leaving a family in grief and a community in shock, but thanks to the amazing effort of a local transport firm and the strong will of Lauren’s family, her legacy will ensure that the syndrome that took her from us will be more widely understood.
A large gathering of people who have been strong supporters of the Smiths since their loss were on hand at the family’s farm at Nobby on Saturday morning to witness the unveiling of the highly decorated B-triple.
The chairman of Epilepsy Queensland, Sam Bryce who has his own experience with epilepsy and has a child with epilepsy, told those present that more than 50,000 people in Australia are living with the condition.
He said more than 300 people died as a result of SUDEP last year.
Mr Bryce described the action of O’Brienco Transport in supporting awareness of epilepsy as “a phenomenal gesture”.
Lauren’s father, Craig, said the family has been “blown away” by the support from the community over the past 18 months.
In an emotional speech, he expressed appreciation of steps taken to honour the memory of Lauren, with Clifton Show Society adding a memorial trophy to its cattle section and Clifton State High School also introducing a memorial trophy as well as naming the “Lauren Smith Washdown Bay” in the school’s ag department.
Her mother, Susan, said they were truly grateful for the support shown from across the community.
She described the SUDEP death rate as alarming.
Susan said the new vehicle will serve as a memorial to their “strong, feisty daughter Lauren”.
John and Jack O’Brien, long time friends of the Smiths as a result of their children going to school together, spoke to the gathering.
“We’re stoked to be doing this for the Smiths,” John said.
Jack echoed his father’s words.
“Thanks for giving us the honour and privilege to be doing this,” he said.
Jack also acknowledge the huge support given by many businesses involved in supplying the new B-triple and its various components.
O’Brienco Transport has been awarded a new contract with Pacific Seeds to carry its various seed products from Toowoomba to Western Australia starting in January.
