The husband of a woman critically injured in an alleged attempt on her life has spoken for the first time about her horrific injuries and what doctors have had to do to save her life.
Brett Benson, 41, revealed the full extent of the horrific injuries suffered by his wife in the May 25 incident which unfolded as the Southside couple were walking their dogs, Chopper and Styx, at night on Sorensen Road.
Mr Benson said there was no clear sign as to when Mrs Benson would be discharged from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
“Carla’s hospital stay is unsure at the moment,” Mr Benson said.
“We hope to be transferred in the future up to the Sunshine Coast Hospital once all Carla’s surgeries are finished and she is stable to transport. We are just taking one day at a time and Carla is doing her best.”
Brett Benson suffered a fractured knee and ligament damage in the alleged hit and run, while his wife Carla suffered multiple serious injuries which left her in a coma fighting for her life.
The couple were run down by a car allegedly driven by 34-year-old Colin James Tupper.
Police have alleged it happened following an argument between the Bensons and Mr Tupper.
Mr Tupper has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, one count of driving while over the middle alcohol limit, one count of failing to remain at the scene and one count of wilful damage.
Mr Benson also revealed for the first time the shocking extent of Mrs Benson’s injuries.
She was in a coma for several days following the incident.
“Carla has had to have an internal chest plate fitted due to extensive damage to her chest and ribs,” he said.
“She has also undergone extensive reconstruction surgery on her shoulder … her pelvic region has had to be screwed and plated, she also has a fractured neck and is still in a brace, and has also undergone plastic surgery to her facial region.”
Carla Benson with their dogs Styx and Chopper, who she was walking with her husband Brett on the night of May 25, 2023, when the alleged hit and run happened.
Mr Benson himself suffered a fractured knee and torn ligaments.
Despite this, “I am still down in Brisbane at the hospital supporting Carla however I can through this”.
It had taken a toll, though.
‘THIS HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE’
“Emotionally, I’m shattered … we are both out of action for some time and we are very stuck at the moment. This has all been a bit of a nightmare.”
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Mr Benson declined to make any comments on the incident itself, saying it was “very fresh” and as such he could not “go there”.
The couple have since shared a new photo of Carla’s recovery from her hospital bed, thanking the Gympie community, which rallied behind them.
This support helped the Bensons locate their two-year-old kelpie Chopper, who was missing for a week at the Southside following the incident.
“I can say that we are so very grateful that we are both here and we are alive, we are overwhelmed by the support from everyone, words can’t describe how much that has helped us in this situation, thank you everyone,” Mr Benson said.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Carla’s recovery.
More than $7000 has been donated so far.