Ruby Dayman ‘broken’ after boyfriend Nick Darling killed in Morphett Vale crash
The heartbroken girlfriend of a man killed in a hit-run crash at Morphett Vale says she’s devastated their unborn child will never know his heart of “pure gold”.
Police & Courts
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A young man killed in a horrific hit-run crash has been robbed of meeting his unborn child, his grieving partner says.
Nick Darling, 20, died when the Toyota HiLux in which he was a passenger was hit by a silver Ford sedan on Flaxmill Rd, Morphett Vale, about 9.50pm on Tuesday.
His best mate, Lewis Bennett, who was driving the Toyota, survived the crash with non-life threatening injuries.
The driver of the Ford sped off from the crash scene. The car was later found torched at Reynella.
A distraught Ruby Dayman – Mr Darling’s girlfriend – said she received a call from a panicked Mr Bennett about the crash.
“I didn’t believe it,” Ms Dayman, 20, said.
She has been left to raise her son, Beau, 5, and the baby girl she is expecting, alone.
Ms Dayman, who is 4½ months pregnant, said Mr Darling was a great stepdad to Beau and he was excited to meet their baby girl.
“Nick was an amazing stepdad to my firstborn. I’m so broken. Nick was made of pure gold, the absolute love of my life,” she said.
“He was so excited to be a dad to our baby girl and he will never get the chance to be. To say I am broken is an understatement.”
Police on Wednesday were still seeking the Ford driver but arrested the passenger – a Morphett Vale man, 19 – almost 12 hours after the crash.
He is expected to be charged with manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving, and failing to comply with the Emergency Management Act.
Witnesses to the crash were left in shock.
Nearby resident Paul Mason said he heard loud bangs around the time of the crash.
“I looked out the window and saw the car on its side,” Mr Mason said.
“I heard the car roll and I heard the other car keep going.”
Ms Dayman said Mr Darling, of Sellicks Beach, was hilarious and always delivered the best jokes.
“He made everyone in the room laugh within seconds … he did anything and everything for the ones he loved,” she said.
Mr Darling’s friend, Danielle McLaughlin, said he was a wonderful person with a big heart.
“He was the glue to all of us. When Nick was around, everyone had a smile on their face. He is so dearly missed already,” Ms McLaughlin said.
Anyone with information, or who saw the crash or has vision, should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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