Father-of-three killed in car crash at Brukunga on Monday remembered as ‘fiercely proud’ family man

A loving, hard-working father of three young children has been remembered as a passionate family man after his tragic death this week.

Nick Peart, 39, has been remembered as a passionate family man. Picture: Supplied by family

A father of three killed in a car crash at Brukunga on Monday has been remembered by loved ones as a “passionate family man” who was “fiercely proud” of his family.

Nick Peart, 39, of Nairne, was the passenger in a ute that hit a tree on Pyrites Road, north of Brukunga in the Adelaide Hills, at about 5.30pm on Monday.

Nick leaves behind his wife of five years, Elaine, and their three children, Aaliyah, 13, Kayley, 11, and Seth, 9. Nick and Elaine met 25 years ago, while they were in high school.

Nick’s mother, Wendy O’Leary, said he was a man defined by his work ethic and love for his family.

“Nick was a very passionate family man with his wife and children,” she said.

“He was fiercely proud of his family.”

Nick’s younger brother, Andrew, 35, reflected on their shared passion for heavy metal music.

“He’d always drag me along to concerts,” he said.

“We were brothers and best mates growing up.”

Nick and Elaine on their wedding day. Picture: Supplied by family

Nick had a big heart. Picture: Supplied by family

Nick and Andrew also have a sister, Jess O’Leary, 37.

Ms O’Leary said Nick was passionate about the outdoors growing up, which translated into his vocation as a Project Manager at Back2Bush, an organisation specialising in ecological restoration.

But above all, Nick’s major passion in life were Elaine and his children.

“His kids were his hobby. He spent a lot of time with his kids,” Ms O’Leary said.

Ms O’Leary said Nick sent them text messages everyday, not just when they were having a bad day

She described Nick as “a very hands-on dad” who helped create a “strong family unit”.

A week before the crash, the family had received news they were waiting a long time to hear.

Nick and Elaine had received a mortgage approval two weeks ago after a year-long battle with insurance companies over the flooding of their family home.

“They were forced to leave their family home, when it was discovered that a water leak had caused major structural damage to the home,” Ms O’Leary said.

But because Nick was the sole income earner, the mortgage cannot be fulfilled.

A new home was to be built on the same site as their family home.

The family is “still striving” to go ahead with building the new home.

They have created a donation page to assist Elaine and the three children in finding a home while they get back on their feet.

The donation target is $30,000, with nearly $26,000 being fulfilled in only two days.

To donate, click here.