Meadows community mourns as fencer Ben Hay identified as victim in fatal ute crash

A young man killed in a horrific car crash has been remembered for his hard work and kind heart as his local community mourns the tragic loss.

A young Adelaide Hills fencer who died in a tragic crash near home is being remembered for his hard work, kind heart and the pride he took in every post and paddock he worked on.

Ben Hay, 28, has been identified as the young driver who died after a white ute crashed into a tree on Morris Rd at Meadows on Sunday, about 2am.

It’s understood he and his 47-year-old passenger had been driving home from work when the vehicle left the road.

Ben suffered critical injuries and was rushed to hospital, but could not be saved.

The passenger, also from Meadows, remains in hospital with serious injuries.

The devastating loss has rocked the tight-knit Meadows community, where Ben was well known and respected for running his own fencing business, B.J. Hay Fencing, since 2018.

Ben Hay has been remembered after a tragic crash at Meadows on Sunday. Picture: Supplied

The business owner has been described as hardworking, with a kind heart. Picture: Supplied

Jade Dixon broke the news to friends and clients on the business’s Facebook page on Wednesday.

“To those who don’t yet know or have tried to reach out regarding work, Ben tragically passed away on Sunday 22nd June 2025,” she wrote.

“He absolutely loved his job and meeting all his amazing and supportive customers, many who he made great connections with and considered his friends!

“I would like to take this moment to thank you all for supporting Ben throughout his years as a fencer, trucker and an all-round amazing person.”

In another tribute post, she wrote: “Whether you were hauling through the back roads in your Kenny, or just pausing to watch the sun set with your cows nearby or on the beach, you had a way of appreciating the simple things. Lost for words is an understatement and so many people are going to miss you!”

Dozens of emotional tributes have since been left in response to the Facebook post announcing Ben’s death, as loved ones and clients shared their heartbreak and memories of the much-loved tradie.

“RIP my son. I’m not sure how to deal with the loss,” wrote Mirela Cunningham. “I would give anything to hug you and tell you one more time how much I love you.”

“What a loss for so many,” said client Nick Hart.

“ … I look down the fence lines every time I am in the paddocks and marvel at how not one post is not perfect. The work he and Daniel did on our farm over the last six years is nothing short of exceptional.”

Indra Benson added: “He was always there whenever you needed him, a top bloke that everyone loved and a great mate. We are still struggling to process the fact we will never see him drive up our driveway again.

“Taken too soon and deeply missed. Keep on truckin’ Ben.”

Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.