Sunshine Coast’s fatal crashes and their causes
Speeding and inattention have been revealed as some of the alleged causes behind local crashes that will mean 16 families spend Christmas without a loved-one.
Police & Courts
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The partner of a popular former Brisbane businessman who died in a tragic motorbike crash on a Sunshine Coast hinterland road has urged locals to cherish their loved ones and take time planning their trip.
Ashley McGowan’s partner Michelle Freeman bravely opened up just two months after the devastating crash at Ninderry which claimed his life.
Ms Freeman urged drivers to take their time on the road this festive season and avoid making any rash decisions behind the wheel.
Her words echoed the sentiments of Sunshine Coast Forensic Crash Unit officer-in-charge Evan Condon who urged drivers to take their time planning a trip this Christmas.
“Inattention to road conditions, traffic conditions, speed limits can have dire consequences to all road users,” Acting Sergeant Condon said.
“Sunshine Coast has a lot of higher speed limit arterial roads and motorways, so attention to driving needs to start in the time before you get behind the wheel, not when you’re already driving.”
Acting Sergeant Condon said many serious crashes “could be avoided” if driver’s factored in how much sleep they’ll need prior to driving, allow sufficient time, limit alcohol consumption, and consider a plan ‘B’ before getting behind the wheel.
“The flow on effect for not only the victims but their family members just because of someone's brief or protracted inattention can have long term effects on those persons involved,” he said.
His advice came as 16 families brace themselves for Christmas without loved ones after tragedies on Coast roads.
Like many regions the Sunshine Coast experienced an increase in fatal crashes with 16 in 2021 compared to 14 from the same time last year.
Queensland Government statistics show there were 268 deaths on the state’s roads between January 1 and December 12.
The tally is 3.1 per cent higher than the same period last year and 14.1 per cent greater than the previous five-year average.
The saddening statistics have prompted Queensland Police to once again educate drivers how to ensure a safe journey this festive season.
Here are the faces, alleged causes and reasons behind some of the Sunshine Coast’s fatal crashes.
Ashley McGowan
The partner of a much-loved business owner and cycling identity, who died when he lost control of a motorbike is pleading with drivers to drive safely during the holiday period.
Ashley McGowan died on October 19 when his motorbike struck a large log and shipping container on Collins Road, Ninderry.
Mr McGowan’s partner Michelle Freeman said she is still learning to live without the 39-year-old two months on from the tragic crash.
She urged drivers to take their time on the road and be aware of their alcohol consumption especially during the Christmas period.
She said her and Mr McGowan’s life changed in the blink of an eye.
“My partner’s accident was just a freak accident, he wasn't under the influence of anything, it wasn’t a particularly rough road, he wasn't driving particularly crazy, it was just really a momentary loss of awareness,” she said.
“He missed the turn and that's how quick things can change.”
She asked for Sunshine Coast locals to be grateful for their family and friends and to enjoy time with them.
“It’s a devastating loss and to have a significant holiday where normally you would be with that person it feels quite lonely,” she said.
“So, really appreciate your loved ones, don't take them for granted and when it comes to holiday time take your time getting from here and there and make sure not to make any rash decisions.”
The Forensic Crash Unit alleged the motorbike left the road after the rider had lost control.
Mr McGowan, a former Brisbane-based business owner who relocated to the Coast, is remembered for his larger-than-life personality.
The coroner is yet to release findings on the single vehicle crash.
Jarvis Snailham and Bailey Bennett
Driving at “high speed” up a winding Buderim road resulted in a tragic accident that took the lives of Bailey Bennett, 19, and Buderim man Jarvis Snailham, 21.
The pair died instantly when the black Mazda they were travelling in crashed off a 10m embankment along Lindsay Rd, Buderim, about 5.30pm on November 23.
The Forensic Crash Unit said while the coroner is yet to release any findings police will allege the car was travelling at “high speed” when it lost control and collided with a tree.
Mr Snailham, who was the driver of the car, was remembered as being outgoing and bubbly while Mr Bennett was described as having a love for life.
No other cars were involved in the crash.
Josh Yates
The partner of an adored brother and son, Josh Yates, who tragically died when he lost control of his car in wet conditions has bravely opened up about her trauma just days after the anniversary of the fatal crash.
Renee Cherie said the past couple of days since the first anniversary had been “extremely hard” as they continued to wait for a death certificate.
“Not knowing the full picture has been very hard for me,” she said.
The Forensic Crash Unit allege Mr Yates was affected by alcohol when he lost control in wet conditions and collided with a power pole on December 13, 2020 on Golf Links Rd.
Ms Cherie urged drivers not to drink and drive saying she hoped Josh’s story would save a life.
“Don’t drink and drive and know your abilities in the weather,” she said.
“Josh was driving a car that he got a month earlier and it was a ute with an empty back in those conditions it’s a totally different scenario.”
Mr Yates is remembered as a “loving larrikin” who made his family and partner Renee proud.
The coroner hasn’t delivered its findings on the Buderim single-car crash.
Brian Carter
A lack of care and attention was found to be the cause behind a tragic collision that claimed the life of Brian Carter.
The dad-of-four was riding his motorbike on Nambour Connection Rd at Parklands on June 26 last year when he was hit and killed by Rita Marilla Leon, 47.
Mr Carter’s Cousin Eddie Marshall said he regularly thinks of “Brian’s three little girls”.
“It’s very hard to put into words, but I had deep respect for Brian and his efforts towards family,” he said.
“And I often think about him especially when I see other families with young kids.
“Brian’s kids are always going to miss their dad.”
Mr Marshall asked drivers to be present when behind the wheel.
“Be present that they are driving a motor vehicle that can harm others and themselves,” he said.
Maroochydore Magistrates Court heard Leon failed to exercise sufficient care and attention when she did not give way to Mr Carter, 37.
She was sentenced to three months in jail, suspended for two years after pleading guilty to one count of driving without due care and attention causing death.
Glen Patten
Cooroy man Glen Patten died after he lost control of his motorbike and collided with a motorhome on Black Mountain Rd on November 7, last year.
Forensic Crash Unit officer Sergeant Peter Cowan previously told the Daily police had determined the rider, Mr Patten, was at fault.
Sergeant Cowan said the motorbike was driving at excessive speed when it braked too hard and skidded out of control.
Mr Patten’s death had a profound effect on the motorcycling community in which he was widely respected.
Sergeant Cowan said the driver of the motorhome was not at fault.
The coroner’s report is finalised.
Jesse Carsburg
Dangerous driving is alleged to be behind a motorbike crash that stole a “caring” dad away from his baby girl on February 7.
The Forensic Crash Unit allege Mr Carsburg drove dangerously at excessive speed before losing control and hitting a pole on a Sunrise Beach road.
Jesse Carsburg left behind his “beautiful little girl” after the tragedy.
The 26-year-old, from Urangan, was remembered as loyal and caring.
The coroner is yet to deliver their findings.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Mitch Smith
Speed allegedly caused a tragic single-car accident that killed Sunshine Coast man, Mitch Smith on October 12, last year.
The Forensic Crash Unit alleges Mr Smith lost control of his black BMW while travelling at “high speed” and collided with a tree on Maroochydore Rd.
The coroner was yet to deliver their findings.
Philip Dostine
Philip Dostine sadly became one of the 64 Queensland motorbike riders to lose their life after a tragic Kenilworth crash.
Acting Sergeant Condon said motorcyclists were over represented in serious injury and fatality crashes.
He said police were awaiting the coroner’s findings, but alleged the single-rider lost control and ran off Sunday Creek Rd on October 30.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Hugo Banks
18-year-old Hugo Banks was allegedly travelling at “excessive speed” when he lost control of the stolen car he was driving.
The Forensic Crash Unit said while the coroner is yet to release a statement they would allege the SUV was driving too fast when he veered off the road and collided with a tree on Rutherford Rd, Kulangoor in late-December, 2020.
Forensic crash unit Senior Constable Peter Cowan previously told the Daily the scene would have been “quite traumatic” for first responders and witnesses and the death was a tragedy.
Mr Banks was the sole occupant of the car and no other drivers were involved.
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