Natalie Frahm was just trying to take the kids to sport. She was shot in front of them in her driveway.

A 34-year-old mother, who was killed in front of two young children, has been identified as Natalie Jane Frahm.

Natalie was shot in the head at 4:30pm on Wednesday while she was in her car, in the driveway outside of her home in South Mackay, Queensland.

She lived there with her fly-in-fly out (FIFO) partner, having moved in last Christmas. She had been in the area just two years, after moving from Mount Isa where her family lives. 

ABC reports that as she was getting the children ready to leave for an after-school sport, 31-year-old Ryan Geoffrey Cole allegedly approached the vehicle and shot her.

Authorities state that Cole lived on the same street as Natalie, but the two were not acquainted.

She died from a gunshot wound to the head.

The children aged 11 and 12, "immediately left the vehicle and left the residence," District Officer Superintendent Graeme Paine told the media.

Image: AAP.

As a witness ran to their aid, Cole allegedly fired the gun again before fleeing. The 66-year-old who came to help suffered injuries to his shoulder and hand. 

7News reports that Cole had previously lost his gun licence, "as a result of his conduct." Although they add that his contact with police until this point had been "minimal."

The alleged assailant was eventually arrested later that night, outside a fast-food restaurant on the Bruce Highway. Police apparently found him by tracking his phone after an extensive manhunt. 

"There is no detail for any motive or any reasons for what has occurred," Supt Paine said. "The children were young teenagers...it is an absolutely shocking thing to have experienced.

"They were obviously very fearful they went to seek help...that help was provided and the man who gave help has been injured."

She was shot in front of her young daughter and her friend.

Cole is facing charges of murder and attempted murder. He made his court appearance via video link in Mackay Magistrates Court on Thursday and remains in custody.

Detective Acting Superintendent Emma Novosel said, "The motives behind the attack on this woman and man are unknown

"There will be further investigations that are obviously undertaken to try and determine what’s brought about this incident."

"She'd be the type of person who would help anybody," he said. "When you come and unlock the door and she's not here and you know that she's never going to step foot in the gym again … it's really sad."

Natalie is the 44th woman killed by violence this year in our country. 

It hasn't even been a week since we lost the 43rd woman allegedly murdered. 

If this post brings up any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. It doesn’t matter where you live, they will take your call and, if need be, refer you to a service closer to home. 

This story was originally published on June 20, 2024, and has since been updated with new information.

Feature image: Supplied.