Fulham Gardens man Alex Giannias dies after crashing into tree on Anzac Hwy at Novar Gardens
Alex Giannias loved cars and everything about them, but cherished his family even more. In the last hour of his life – after crashing his prized Ford – the electrician only wanted his father at his side.
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A car enthusiast who cherished family above all else has been remembered for his vibrant spirit after dying in a horrific crash that almost split a car in half at Novar Gardens.
In the final hour of his life – as he lay trapped inside the wreckage of his prized high-powered Ford – Alex Giannias called out for his father.
“He was basically crushed against the tree so I just jumped in the car and tried to support him, (I) held his hand and was tapping him on the face to keep him conscious,” tennis coach Todd Langman said.
“He told me his name and he wanted his father.”
The crash occurred when Alex’s modified black XR6 Falcon slammed into a tree on Anzac Highway, near Ferguson St, about 6.30pm on Wednesday.
Mr Langman was teaching tennis to children on courts nearby.
“We heard the car accelerating and then before we knew it the car had hit the tree,” Mr Langman said.
He said Alex’s father arrived at the scene and was calm as his son was cut free from the wreckage.
Alex, 27, of Fulham Gardens, was taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition but died a short time later in the presence of his father.
On Thursday morning, flowers were laid at the crash site in tribute to Alex, who worked as an electrician for self-run business Cryptic Electrical Solutions.
A distraught relative described him as “full of life”.
“My heart breaks for the whole family,” Tamara Lee said.
“He was young. And the family is so close. Every one of them today are absolutely heartbroken. My heart breaks for them and their dad … it’s just tragic.
“He spent a lot of time with my nephews building computers and things.”
On social media, Sheena Appleyard said: “Rest in peace baby brother. We will miss you dearly. In our hearts forever.”
Alex’s life is the 61st lost on SA roads this year compared with 75 at the same time in 2019.
On Wednesday night, other witnesses said a passenger stumbled from the vehicle and collapsed on the ground.
“The car looked completely crashed in and destroyed at the front. It was completely in two around the tree,” nearby resident Lisa Cahill said.
“Unfortunately (children) would have been able to see it very clearly from (the tennis courts).”
The passenger, a 29-year-old Welland man, was also taken to the RAH and treated for minor injuries.
Anzac Hwy was closed for several hours for eastbound traffic while the scene was inspected by Major Crash investigators.
Another resident, Tamires Nogeeire, said the car revved hard just seconds before impact.
“I could hear a car coming at very high speed and then I could hear the motor of the car and then suddenly I just heard a very bad crash,” she said.
“It’s sad to hear (someone is dead).”
Police are appealing for anyone who may have dashcam footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.