Fletcher ‘Fletch’ Obst identified as the Eudunda crash victim

The devastated partner of the Eudunda man tragically killed in a crash near Kapunda says she’s heartbroken both for herself and their toddler daughter.

Bagot Well fatal victim Fletcher Obst, known around town as Fletch, has been remembered as a devoted partner and father. Picture: Supplied by family

A young Eudunda father will never give his two-year-old daughter another piggyback ride after he was tragically killed in a horror crash in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Fletcher Obst, known around town as Fletch, has been remembered as a devoted father to 2-year-old daughter Isla Rose Obst and partner to Mercedes Flaherty-Holtham, 25.

Ms Flaherty-Holtham told The Advertiser she feared the worst when SA Police released a statement saying a local man of Mr Obst’s age had been killed.

“I called Fletcher’s dad and when I heard ‘I’m sorry,’ on the other side of the line I broke down crying,” she said.

Mr Obst, 29, a boiler welder and maker by trade, died at the scene after his Toyota ute crashed and rolled into a paddock on Thiele Highway, about 10km northwest of Kapunda.

The couple would have celebrated their fifth anniversary on Valentine’s Day.

Ms Flaherty-Holtham said she was not only heartbroken for herself but for her daughter who will never experience the love of her dad again.

While Mr Obst had only lived in Eudunda for a few years he quickly became a beloved member of the community. Picture: Supplied By Family

“She’s never going to get piggyback rides from her daddy ever again,” she said

“Fletch was a beautiful person, he was selfless, he would leave work or his friends if I had an emergency with Isla or I was worried, it didn’t matter.

“He built a sandpit for Isla, he was showing her how to ride a bike and gave her piggybacks. “We made a fairy garden for her.”

While Mr Obst had only lived in Eudunda for a few years he quickly became a beloved member of the community.

Ms Flaherty-Holtham said he would be remembered as the mate who always organised get-togethers with friends whether it be for a game of 8 ball, fishing or just for dinner.

“There was something so special about him, it’s hard to capture in words, you needed to meet him to understand,” she said.

“He was adventurous and bubbly, always down to try new things and he would do anything for the people he loved.

“He would make us all get together to play 8 ball – he was the best player – but he also taught me the proper rules.”

Friend Amy Kate, 31, she said the loss of Mr Obst would impact the community.

“This is a small town and a loss like this in town is huge,” she said.

“These are the people we sit next to and have dinner with everyday and our kids run around and grow together.

“Everyone is going to miss him.”

Mr Obst will also be missed by his American staffy Buddy and cat Tigger.

The couple would have celebrated their fifth anniversary on Valentine’s Day. Picture: Supplied by family

Ms Flaherty-Holtham said she was not only heartbroken for herself but for her daughter who will never experience the love of her dad again. Picture: Supplied By Family

John, 65, and Kathy Scobie, 59, heard the crash from their Bagot Well property and attended the scene about 12.30am on Sunday 21.

Ms Scobie said she knew it was a bad crash from hearing the noise.

“I knew we had a crash on our property,” she said.

“I heard squealing and skidding and then I turned to John and said ‘Sh*t, there’s been an accident’.”

Mr Scobie was the first person on the scene and said the driver and the sole occupant was still alive when he called for help.

“The car was upside down and facing the road, the gentleman was still in his seat, wearing a seatbelt and he was in severe pain,” Mr Scobie said.

“I feel bad for the gentleman because I moved away for phone signal to call emergency services and when I moved away he had passed away.”

The impact of the crash was visible on the old tree which lost its bark and the shards of glass and blood seen around the area.

The Thiele Highway was closed for several hours between Anlaby Rd and School House Rd as Major Crash officers investigated.

The young man’s death is the second life lost on SA roads in 2024, compared to eight at this time last year.