Miles fatal crash victim identified as Millmerran Newsagency owner Ivan Oliver

Millmerran’s beloved newsagent has been remembered for his “booming, happy” voice and generosity after he tragically died in a crash on the Leichhardt Highway.

The small town of Millmerran is in mourning after the tragic death of Ivan Oliver, a prominent business owner and community figure who ran the town’s newsagency for 19 years.

The beloved 64-year-old died following a head-on crash on the Leichhardt Highway, south of Miles, on Sunday evening.

Mr Oliver sadly passed away at the scene and his wife, Maria, was taken to hospital with serious injuries to her back and shoulder. A 22-year-old Fanny Bay man was also flown to hospital with serious injuries.

Millmerran Commerce and Progress president Nikki Macqueen said “the whole community of Millmerran and beyond are in shock and disbelief with Ivan’s passing”.

“Both he and Maria run the successful Millmerran Newsagency which they have owned for 19 years and is the hub of our small town,” Ms Macqueen said.

Flowers left at the Millmerran Newsagency after the tragic death of owner Ivan Oliver.

“There would be not one person in Millmerran that does not know Ivan and Maria with Ivan’s booming, happy voice and walking up and down the street to pick up coffees and do deliveries.

“Our prayers are with Maria, (their sons) Tom and James during this sad time, and I know that our beautiful community will rally behind them and show them the love that they have shown so many before.”

The death has devastated the tight-knit community, with photos from the newsagency showing dozens of flowers left on the doorstep by community members.

Anyone with information that may be able to assist police with ongoing investigations is urged to come forward.