‘Gut-wrenching’: Tears for Geelong psychologist and author Chris Mackey after fatal Bellbrae crash

Geelong psychologist and author Chris Mackey is being remembered as a “truly remarkable person” who touched the lives of many after he tragically died in a crash on the Surf Coast.

Geelong psychologist and author Chris Mackey is being remembered after he tragically died on Saturday. Picture: Alan Barber

A Geelong psychologist and author is being remembered as a “truly remarkable person” who leaves behind an “extraordinary legacy” after he tragically died in a crash on the Surf Coast.

Chris Mackey died on Saturday after his car crashed into a tree on Forest Rd in Bellbrae.

The 66-year-old was internationally renowned for his work in psychology with a career spanning more than 40 years.

The father of three established his private practice, Chris Mackey and Associates, in Geelong West almost 30 years ago and previously spent 15 years working in the public mental health system.

In 2019, his book The Positive Psychology of Synchronicity was published and he was awarded the Australian Allied Health Impact Award for his clinical research and work in the media.

He was also a regular columnist for the Geelong Advertiser since 2014 and hosted a podcast, Psych Spiels and Silver Linings, with his son Rowan where the pair discussed strategies to manage mental health difficulties.

Chris Mackey and his son Rowan recording their podcast. Picture: Mark Wilson

Mr Mackey’s wife Sue said her husband left behind an incredible legacy.

“He was a bit magical,” she said.

“He was so wise and he had the ability to empathise at such a deep level.

“He was so interested in people and he loved people.”

Mrs Mackey said her husband was on his way to spend the weekend with some of his psychology colleagues and was only eight minutes from his destination when the crash happened.

The pair were due to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary next year.

Chris Mackey with his wife Sue.

“It’s gut wrenching,” she said.

“His mission was to improve mental health both locally and beyond.

“He has trained so many amazing psychologists.

“He was truly amazing.”

Mr Mackey was also the resident psychologist on wellbeing program Destination Happiness with Angie Hilton.

Chris Mackey and Angie Hilton. Picture: Supplied

Ms Hilton said Mr Mackey’s presence in her life was “a gift I will always treasure”.

“Just days ago, he was sitting at my dinner table with his beloved wife, Sue, and Professor Lea Waters, sharing stories, ideas, and laughter,” she said.

“Now, he is gone, and the void he leaves behind is immeasurable.

“Chris was a truly remarkable person.

“Someone whose vulnerability and openness about his own mental health challenges made him not just a brilliant psychologist, but an extraordinary human being.”

Ms Hilton, who first met Mr Mackey 23 years ago, said he and his wife were both role models.

“Chris was a truly special soul and his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched,” she said.

“I feel privileged to have known him, to have worked alongside him, and to carry forward some of the vision and values he held so dear.”

Geelong Advertiser editor Nadja Fleet said: “Chris has been part of the Geelong Addy family for more than 10 years. This is a devastating loss for all of us. Our thoughts go out to his wife Sue and children Rowan, Joanna and Ellie.”

Former Geelong Advertiser editor Elise Potter said: “Chris was an enthusiastic contributor to the Addy, sharing his expertise and passion for positive psychology, men’s health and community connectedness and wellbeing through his regular columns. His sad passing is a tragic loss for not only his family, friends and patients, but also for the countless readers and community members who benefited from his words of wisdom in the Addy for more than a decade.”

Tributes for Mr Mackey have flooded social media, with Geelong residents left devastated by the tragedy.

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be established and a police investigation remains ongoing.

Originally published as ‘Gut-wrenching’: Tears for Geelong psychologist and author Chris Mackey after fatal Bellbrae crash