The David Collisson shooting death near Mudgee, New South Wales remains one of the most shocking and tragic crimes to grip regional Australia in recent years. David Collisson, aged 53, was shot multiple times and later burned in a remote hollow tree on a rural property in September 2023, sparking a long investigation, courtroom drama, and profound grief for family, friends, and the broader community.
Born and raised in New South Wales, David was a man whose life — like many of ours — contained both challenges and bright moments. In his early years, David faced difficulties that led to legal trouble, yet in later life he sought connection with family, rebuild relationships, and contribute to his community. Those who knew him describe him as a son, father, uncle, and friend whose presence enriched many lives. While his life was cut tragically short, the impact of his character and relationships lives on in those whose paths he crossed.
On the night of September 25, 2023, David Collisson’s life ended in violence. According to court proceedings and eyewitness testimony, he was shot three times on a rural property near Menah, just outside Mudgee. Before his death, David reportedly pleaded for his life, telling his attacker that he loved him and begging not to die. While the motive for the killing has never been fully explained in public records, the brutality of the act and the burning of his body deepened the community’s shock and sorrow.
Following an extensive investigation, Eric James Forrest, 35, was found guilty of Mr. Collisson’s murder by a jury at the New South Wales Supreme Court in November 2025. The conviction brought a measure of accountability to the case, yet for the Collisson family the emotional toll remains profound. In sentencing remarks and victim impact statements, loved ones described the “unimaginable pain” of losing David, not just as a loved one but as a presence in their daily lives that can never be replaced.
A Family’s Grief, A Life Remembered
David is remembered by his son, siblings, and mother, each of whom spoke publicly about the void left by his death. His son, Joshua Collisson, shared how his father’s loss has “changed me on a psychological, emotional and physical level,” marked by shock, trauma, and an enduring sense of heartbreak. His sister, Bronwyn Vandergulick, expressed anger at the violence of his killing, and his mother, Margaret Davidson, poignantly recalled waiting for her son’s regular phone calls that will never come.
David’s funeral was a solemn occasion where family and friends gathered to honor his life — celebrating not just the end he endured but the moments of joy, connection, and love that defined his journey. His legacy offers a reminder of the fragility of life, the pain of loss, and the resilience of the human spirit when faced with tragedy.
In Memoriam
As we remember David Collisson, we reflect on a life marked by complexities, human connection, and the deep sadness of a violent death. His story has raised important conversations about violence, justice, and healing within communities across New South Wales and beyond.
David is survived by his children, extended family, and all who cherished his unique presence. May he rest in peace and may his memory continue to be honored by those who loved him most.
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