Faces of SA’s road toll: 2022 crash victims remembered as state records record low deaths
Seventy people lost their lives on our roads in 2022 – they are remembered as doting grandparents, fiercely loyal friends, tennis champions and budding doctors. These are their tributes.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The loss of 70 lives on the state’s roads in 2022 was the lowest on record but authorities say it was still 70 too many.
It was also a significant drop on the 99 people killed in 2021 with police commending greater road safety efforts.
But families and friends will forever mourn the lives of those lost in crashes across South Australia.
As 2022 came to a close, the people who made up SA’s road toll are remembered as doting grandparents and children gone too soon, fiercely loyal friends and devoted partners, tennis champions and budding doctors. Here are their tributes.
This comes as the state marks its first fatal crash of 2023 with a 50-year-old Rostrevor woman dying on January 2.
Sam Williams
Sam Williams, 22, of Globe Derby Park, took his Honda motorcycle for a solo ride in the afternoon of the January 26 public holiday to Port Pirie, where he fatally crashed into a fence on The Terrace about 6.30pm.
Before the crash, Sam was enjoying a pub meal at The Birkenhead Tavern at Birkenhead with his brother, Jack, 24, and father Rowland after which they spent a few hours at the beach.
Sam is remembered as a well-respected, altruistic and “selfless” family man.
Kaleb Jake Bryant
Avid fisher Kaleb Jake Bryant was changing fishing spots when his Nissan Patrol rolled on Snapper Hill Rd at Kellidie Bay, near Port Lincoln, just after 9pm on January 28.
The 21 year old, who had survived cancer twice, died at the scene.
Kaleb’s family remember him as a caring and fiercely loyal son.
Jason Edwards
Jason Edwards, 47, was travelling on the footpath along Brighton Rd on his way to his local pub just after 7pm on February 19 when a car exiting a service station hit him. He died at the scene.
Jason’s mother Jan Edwards remembers her son as being a loving and tough man who never let his disability define him.
Sarah Strong-Law
Sarah Strong-Law, 42, was killed when her car crashed into a truck on Hog Bay Rd and Davies Rd at Pelican Lagoon, south of American River on Kangaroo Island on February 22 2022.
Barrelhouse Bessy as Ms Strong-Law was also known founded the Adelaide Roller Derby with the organisation remembering her as a woman of “boundless energy” and a“beloved friend”.
Jai Clarke
Tea Tree Gully Tennis Club junior captain, 16-year-old Jai Clarke, died in a buggy bike accident on March 5 – just a day after helping his team to the 2022 finals.
Jai was remembered as a quality player and valued club member who was loved by everyone.
Esther Chong
Dr Esther Chong, 25, was killed when the Hyundai she was driving crashed head-on into a Isuzu ute on Sunday night on the Augusta Hwy at Woolundunga, at about 7pm on March 6.
The doctor was working at the Port Augusta hospital as part of a surgical internship rotation at the time of the crash.
At the time of her death the Central Adelaide Local Health Network released a statement saying: “Esther had a bright, promising future that has inexplicably been taken away”.
Anthony Mavropoulos
45-year-old former Finks bikie Anthony Mavropoulos was riding a motorbike when he crashed into a Stobie pole on March 7 2022 in front of Sacred Heart College students. Mongol and Fink associates shared tributes to social media remembering him as a “true brother”.
Corey Loleit
Keen fisherman Corey Loleit, 41, was on his way home to get ready for a date when his motorbike collided with an SUV on the Barossa Way just before 5pm on April 2.
His heartbroken father and best friend Gregor Loleit said every time Corey visited they went fishing together.
Mitchell Clark
Mitchell Clark’s life was tragically cut short on April 5 at Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, when his truck crashed down a jagged embankment and flipped on to rocks bordering the ocean.
His partner, Georgia Weatherspoon, 24, paid tribute to the 27 year old KI local, as the love of her life and “the most beautiful soul”.
The former pro boxer was also honoured with a 10-bell salute at a No Limit Boxings event at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion.
Mick O’Brien
64-year-old Mick O’Brien was hit and killed while crossing the road near his Salisbury home at about 3pm on April 12.
Neighbours remembered Mr O’Brien as a well-loved and intelligent ex-military and civilian skydiver.
Bevan Letton
Bevan Letton crashed and died when he tried to swerve around a man allegedly riding a tractor with no lights, police alleged at the time of his death.
The Kangaroo Island postman and avid bowler was driving his Mitsubishi van along the Playford Highway near Bar Hut Rd on April 20 and died at the scene.
Friends remembered the Parndana local as a“thoughtful”, “fiercely competitive” and longstanding member of the Parndana Bowls Club where he held various positions over more than 40 years.
Jarrad Jaye
Jarred Jaye lost his life when he lost control and crashed on Hincks Ave at Whyalla Norrie at about 4.20am on April 28 – just days before his 27th birthday.
The 26 year old died at the scene. Friends and family remember Jarrad to be an “amazing lad” with a “really good heart”.
Valentino Paradiso
Teenager Valentino Paradiso died when his motorcycle collided with a Holden ute on Old Port Wakefield Rd at Virginia in the late afternoon on May 10.
The 18 year old of Burton adored cars and bikes and was a much-loved member of his community.
His aunt Lorasia Rignanese remembered Valentino as “a good boy” and was “totally different” to other men his age.
Zarif Rahman and Thumith Chandrasena
Friends Zarif Rahman and Thumith Chandrasena were killed driving home from weekly tutoring in preparation for sitting a qualifying exam to enter medical school.
The Heights students, both 17, died when their car left Montacute Rd at Athelstone in wet and slippery conditions before going down a steep embankment and slamming into a large gum tree at about 2pm on Sunday, May 16.
Zarif’s heartbroken father Taufiqur Rahman described his son as a “caring, bright” individual who wanted to follow in his footsteps and become a doctor.
Thumith’s grief-stricken girlfriend and her family were among those who placed floral tributes at the base of the gum tree.
Stephen Isaacson
Stephen Isaacson, 37, died after he was hit by a car near Mount Gambier.
The pedestrian was killed on Glenelg River Rd near Yahl Hall Rd, at OB Flat, about 5.40pm on June 9.
Affectionately known as “Stevross”, he wore number 32 for the South Indians Baseball Club and was remembered as a loyal friend, teammate and “the life of every party”.
Robert Taylor
Father-of-two Robert Taylor died from his injuries while being transferred to hospital after his car hit a tree moments after he dropped his wife at work.
The Pooraka man, 77, was remembered as a much loved and loyal mate who “had much more life and laughter to live”.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Belalie and Montague roads, Ingle Farm, about 6.10am on Sunday, June 12.
Clare Merriam
Western Australian woman Clare Merriam was killed when the car she was driving collided with a truck on the outskirts of Mount Gambier on July 1.
The 38 year old of Guildford, was remembered as “bright and bubbly” human resources manager in the mining industry.
The crash on Donovans Rd at Wye also left her partner Michael Place’s eight-year-old son critically injured, while Michael, his six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter were also seriously injured.
Paige Heaysman
Paige Heaysman was driving a Dodge sedan along Razor Back Rd at Jupiter Creek when it left the road and crashed into a tree about 6.30am on July 18.
Peggy, as she was known to family, was rushed to hospital but later died.
The 30 year old’s heartbroken mother remembered her daughter as a caring, loving and spontaneous woman with friends saying “this girl could light up a room”.
Christine Read
Gawler East woman Christine Read, 72, was rushed to hospital after being hit by a truck at about 12.30pm on August 4 at the Lyndoch Road and Murray Street intersection, but died hours later.
The grandmother was a beloved community stalwart who went out of her way to help others.
Friends from the Gawler Care and Share Group, where Mrs Read was an “integral member” said she would be remembered for “her friendship, her compassion and her love”.
Harpreet Kaur
Young nurse, Harpreet Kaur, lost her life in a fatal crash at Pooraka after a dinner date with her husband.
The 31-year-old Renown Park woman was killed after a two car collision caused a Hyundai Elantra to crash into a tree at Montague Rd near Henderson Ave at about 10pm on Thursday, August 4.
Harpreet was remembered by friends as a kind and generous person who was a talented cook. Her body was expected to be returned home to India.
Jayden McKay
Jayden McKay was 21 when he was killed walking along an Aldinga Beach road after leaving a babyshower.
The Aldinga Beach man, 21 died after he was struck by a car at Norman Rd at Aldinga Beach at 9.30pm Saturday, September 4.
At the time, father-to-be Jarrod Hardman who hosted the party remembered his mate as one of the “nicest people I’ve ever met”.
Shane Smith
Senior Rebels bikie Shane Smith crashed his motorcycle on Milne Rd just after 3am on September 7.
The Redwood Park man, 38, died at the scene leaving behind four children, including a newborn baby which his partner Donna Baldino described as “their greatest achievement”.
His partner remembered him as “a beautiful, loving, supportive partner and loving father”.
Atem Kuany
Year 12 student Atem Kuany was just 17 when he was killed on September 13 when the Holden Commodore he was a passenger in crashed at the Edinburgh RAAF base on Andrews Rd.
The teen’s family described him as a “lovely person” who was “the centre of the family”.
Izzy Hancock
Izzy Hancock, 18, died in a single-vehicle crash at Carew, near Bordertown, on 16 September.
The P-plater was remembered as a “bright, bubbly girl full of drive” by her mother Samantha Cottee who said her daughter was an incredibly compassionate human being.
Friend of the teen, Tori Markaela, said she would “forever cherish” her memories of Izzy.
Chris Jones
Chris Jones, 57, was killed when his motorbike slammed into a pole at Paralowie on October 3.
The Salisbury Downs man crashed his motorcycle at about 3.45am at the intersection of Martins Rd and Charlotte Drive.
Chris was fondly described by a friend as a “mad bastard” who adored his children and would drop everything to help a mate at a moment’s notice.
Chantelle Medlam
Mother-of-five Chantelle Medlam, 40, was struck by a vehicle and killed as she was walking home on October 20.
Chantelle was hit by the vehicle on Old Princess Hwy at 9.45pm, on her way home from the Avoca Dell Caravan Park.
One of her children, Chloe Louise, said she would “forever miss” her late mother.
Erica Hoy
Actress Erica Hoy was killed in a five-car pile up while travelling on the Port River Expressway in Gillman on November 1.
While Erica died at the scene, her twin sister Lisa and Erica’s boyfriend, Mike Reader, 29, were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Family friend and photographer, Peter Hall said the sisters “were soulmates” and described their relationship as “a unique artistic partnership”.
Matty Hegan
Matty Hegan, of Elizabeth East, was killed when the car he was driving was found crashed in a Humbug Scrub paddock near the intersection of Kersbrook and Kelly Hill roads on December 3.
The 32-year-old was remembered as being a “lovely guy, who adored his girls and will be missed terribly”.
Tracee Grosvenor
Grandmother Tracee Grosvenor, 58, was driving when she crashed into a tree in the early hours of December 4.
Tracee died at the scene at Langhorne Creek Rd at Belvidere, 2km from Milang Rd but her 27-year-old passenger survived.
Her family wrote in The Advertiser’s tributes that she was “tragically taken” and “will be deeply missed and forever loved by all”.
Danny Staehr
Danny Staehr was killed as his Ford Falcon rolled over at Truro Rd near Brewery Rd at about 9.20pm on December 23.
Family friends said the 52-year-old was a local larrikin whose young children were his world.
Friend to Danny, Beth Williams, said the Kapunda and Barossa Valley communities were “hurting immensely” after the tragedy.
Jaxson Montague and Ashanti Lee Smith
Teenage couple Jaxson Montague, 19, and Ashanti Lee Smith, 17, were tragically killed in a car crash at Lochiel on December 26.
The learner driver’s car left the road and struck a tree on the Augusta Highway at about 7.30pm on Boxing Day.
Jaxson’s 46-year-old father, who was supervising his son driving on his L-plates, was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
The couple were remembered by family and friends as a “king and queen” who were “true loves”.
Kuol Tiir Kuol
Just days before the new year Elizabeth East man and motorcycle rider Kuol Tiir Kuol died in a two-vehicle crash at Salisbury South.
The crash occurred at intersection of Main North and Frost roads just before 9pm on Wednesday, December 28.
The Adelaide South Sudanese community remembered the “young and energetic person” with the Bor County Community Association in South Australia describing the 25 year old as an “innocent soul”.
Achiech Nhail who launched a GoFundMe campaign help Koul’s family fund his funeral said: “He was so rare. Heaven truly gained an angel to be reckoned with, in the best way”.
More Coverage
Major highway closed due to Hazmat incident near WA border
Residents near the SA border with WA have been advised to keep inside with the windows shut as a major highway was closed following a hazmat incident.
Adelaide Hill’s worker’s amputation horror after being trapped in trench
A construction company has learned its fate after a worker was trapped and his leg crushed when a trench collapsed at an Adelaide Hills building site.