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Girlfriend remembers Rebels bikie Shane Smith, 38, as a strong, selfless man who loved his ‘family and brothers’

The girlfriend of Rebels bikie Shane Smith, who was killed in a motorcycle accident, has spoken of her heartbreak – just 14 weeks after the joy of welcoming their baby boy.

The Advertiser/7NEWS Adelaide update: Senior Rebels bikie killed in Redwood Park crash

A Rebels motorcyclist killed in a tragic crash, left behind four children, including a newborn baby which his current partner called “their greatest achievement”.

Donna Baldino told The Advertiser she was heartbroken over the death of her partner, Shane Smith, just 14 weeks after they celebrated the arrival of their baby boy Roc.

“A beautiful, loving, supportive partner and loving father to five beautiful children (including his stepdaughter Ivy),” she said.

“Our greatest achievement in life – our 14-week-old baby boy Roc.

“Our life will never be the same without you. We love you forever.”

Ms Baldino said the pair had been in a relationship for two years, but shared a friendship for more than seven.

“He was a strong man who was the most kind, loving and selfless person, who put others before his own needs,” she said.

“His family were his world, he touched so many people’s hearts.”

She said her life “will never be the same”.

“He lived for his family and his brothers, a part of me has gone today, our lives will never be the same,” she said.

Shane Smith and Donna Baldino had just welcomed a baby boy before his tragic death on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied
Shane Smith and Donna Baldino had just welcomed a baby boy before his tragic death on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

“I love you always, your Queen Donna. Fly high my angel, ‘til we meet again.”

Mr Smith, of Redwood Park, 38, crashed his motorcycle on Milne Rd just after 3am this morning.

The senior Rebels bikie died at the scene while his pillion passenger, a Clearview man, 45, was taken to hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

His eldest daughter, Aliza Smith told The Advertiser she shared a “close bond” with her Dad.

“I love him so much, I’m just going to miss him so much,” she said.

Aliza’s mother, Cassie Hart said she had an amicable separation from Mr Smith more than a decade ago.

She said he was a very kind-hearted man.

“He always had his kids backs 100 per cent and that’s what I admired about him,” she said.

“He would always look out for them.”

Mr Smith’s sister shared her anguish on Facebook, revealing she had now lost both her brothers in tragic circumstances.

“Both my brothers now gone,” she wrote.

“This day 20yrs (sic) ago David Smith lost his battle with lukemia (sic) and today my younger brother Shane Smith died in a fatal motorbike accident.

“There are no words to ease the pain of such a loss, other than my brothers can finally be with one another in the heavens above.

Supplied Editorial
Supplied Editorial

“I promise I will be there for the kids and make sure your memory lives on forever.”

Mr Smith was a dad-of-four and boxing instructor who also shares two children with Married At First Sight favourite Stacey Hampton.

The Rebels MC Malta Facebook page paid a tribute to Mr Smith.

Supplied Editorial
Supplied Editorial

“Today marks another dark day for our club, we’re all in disbelief of the passing of our Brother Shane,” the post wrote.

“Our sincerest condolences to our brothers in Adelaide, Shane’s immediate family especially his four beautiful children.

“Another brother taken too soon, you will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”

One man remembered him as “a true Rebel soldier”.

Major Crash investigators were examining the scene on Wednesday morning, where Milne Rd was partially closed between Golden Grove Rd and McEwin Rd.

The restrictions were removed later on Wednesday morning.

Mr Smith’s death was the 52nd life lost so far this year compared with 66 at the same time last year.

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/girlfriend-remembers-rebels-bikie-shane-smith-38-as-a-strong-selfless-man-who-loved-his-family-and-brothers/news-story/33c0e628c48cb20d78a8518356919144