‘I am so lost’: Families remember Janette Fry and Trevor Kleemann, the victims of a horror car crash at Waikerie

A local grandmother and well-known machinery collector have been fondly remembered by grieving family and community members after Wednesday’s crash.

The two victims of a fatal car crash in the Riverland have been identified, as locals and family members pay tribute to the pair.

Janette Fry, 78, and Trevor Kleemann, 75, tragically died at the scene after their cars collided at Waikerie on Wednesday.

They both have been remembered fondly by their family and friends.

Ms Fry was visiting Waikerie from her Waterloo Corner home, with thoughts to move to the area, according to her daughter, Wendy Fry, who posted a comment on Facebook.

Family friend, Kerry Mudge posted to Facebook remembering Ms Fry.

“I have many fond memories of her growing up,” she wrote.

The 78-year-old was a grandmother who grew up in Port Augusta.

Janette Fry, 78, who died in a car crash at Waikerie on Wednesday. Picture: Facebook

Janette Fry with family including daughter Wendy Fry. Picture: Facebook

Trevor Kleemann, 74 was a local father with a keen interest in machinery.

He collected tractors and other farming items sharing his favourite pieces in various art projects including the Temporary Art Gallery in Waikerie and the Collector’s Collection.

Artistic director of Open Space Contemporary Arts (OSCA) Paul Gazzola, an organiser of the projects said Mr Kleemann took pride in his personal collection.

“It’s a disease,” he once joked to Mr Gazzola.

The Temporary Art Gallery in Waikerie highlighted the town’s history and stories.

Mr Gazzola said Mr Kleemann displayed a particular fascination for the evolution of Farmall tractors in the area.

One of the vehicles showcased was a 1947 Farmall ‘A’ tractor.

Trevor Kleemann, 74, died in a car crash at Waikerie on Wednesday. Picture: Facebook

The Temporary Art Gallery understands the tractor was used to lay irrigation pipes in the Ramco Heights and Golden Heights areas and Mr Kleemann restored the vehicle in 1994.

“Trevor was really connected to the history and wanted to be supportive of the community,” Mr Gazzola said.

Mr Kleemann’s son David Kleemann posted to social media thanking the community for their condolences.

“I am so lost now,” he wrote. “I don’t (know) what I’m going to do with out (sic) dad.

“Day one of rest of my life without dad, I miss (him) so much.”

On Wednesday night Mr Kleemann’s son said he is going to miss seeing his father drive his favourite tractor.

“Love you, dad,” David wrote to conclude the post.

The Advertiser understands Trevor and David had a close relationship and enjoyed spending time with one another.

Trevor Kleemann was proud of his collection of tractors and farming machinery. Picture: Facebook

Farmall tractor previously on show at the Temporary Art Gallery in Waikerie. Trevor Kleemann restored the 1940s vehicle in 1994. Picture: Temporary Art Gallery Waikerie

Ms Fry and Mr Kleemann were killed when their cars collided on the Sturt Hwy at Waikerie on Wednesday afternoon.

Just after 1pm, police and emergency crews were called to the highway between Range Rd and Vasey Rd.

The circumstances surrounding the horror crash remain under investigation.