NSW family launch GoFundMe to bring home father killed in Hart crash

The family of a father and grandfather killed in a crash in SA’s Mid North are raising funds to transport him back home interstate.

The family of a man killed in a tragic accident at Hart is raising funds to bring him home to New South Wales.

The grieving family of a New South Wales man who was struck by two vehicles at Hart this month has launched a fundraiser to bring him home and say their farewells.

Terry Smithers, 52, died at the scene after being hit by a car and a truck between Blyth and Brinkworth in South Australia’s Mid North on August 6.

His daughters Tori-Leanne Smithers and Kiana-Darre Smithers started a GoFundMe to help with transportation and funeral costs with the goal of raising $8000.

“He was a devoted father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, and mentor who had an impact on the lives of everyone around him,” they wrote.

“Due to the distance and unexpected expenses involved, we are reaching out for help to bring him home for a proper farewell surrounded by family and friends. The costs associated with transportation and funeral arrangements are more than our family can handle at this time.”

The family of a man killed in a tragic Hart crash is raising funds to bring him home to New South Wales. Picture: supplied.

Mr Smithers was born and raised in Illawarra but had recently moved from Queensland to South Australia for work as a panel beater.

“His friend was helping him get a lot of work down there. He wanted to eventually move to New South Wales and be closer to all of us kids and his grandkids,” Ms Smithers said.

She said her dad’s body was currently with the coroner as the incident remains under investigation but they hoped to be able to bring her father home soon to say goodbye and get closure.

“If we can’t bring him home, we can’t say goodbye,” she said.

“It’s the only way that any of us can have any form of closure.”

Ms Smithers said the family also wanted to honour her father’s wishes, which included him being cremated.

The family is currently deciding where to scatter his ashes.

They have so far raised just over $4500 for transportation and funeral costs.

Ms Smithers described her dad as a “big personality” who “would do anything for anyone”.

“If somebody needed help, he was there,” she said.

“He was pretty much as Aussie a man as they can come.”

Terry Smithers died after being struck by two vehicles. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Smithers leaves behind five children and two grandchildren.

His daughter said he loved each of them “so differently and so wholeheartedly”

“We’re doing the best that we can, making sure we support each other.”