Couple killed in horror Penola crash remembered as ’wonderful people’

The couple killed in a horrific double-fatal crash near Penola were hardworking farmers who will leave a huge hole in the community, friends say.

A couple killed in a shocking crash near Penola in SA’s South-East on Easter Sunday have been remembered as hardworking dairy farmers who “will leave a great hole in many lives”.

Catherine and Trevor Schutz, 54 and 62, of Suttontown near Mount Gambier, both died in the three-car crash when their Ford sedan was allegedly “taken out” by a Tesla that was hit by a Ford ute.

Witnesses and emergency services rushed to the Schutzs’ aid but both died at the scene.

Suttontown residents have told The Advertiser, the couple had been living at their Suttontown property for more than 20 years and both had a role in working on it.

They were said to be “very nice” people who were involved in the local Lutheran church. They are survived by their two daughters.

Trevor and Catherine Schutz from Suttontown, near Mount Gambier. Picture: Facebook

Former Jersey Australia President Peter Ness, knew Trevor and Catherine through their mutual involvement in the jersey cow community.

He told The Advertiser Trevor and his brother had a dairy farm out at Hindmarsh Valley before Trevor married Catherine and the pair moved down to the South-East.

He described the Schutzs as a close-knit family comprised of genuine and lovely people.

He said Trevor was a dedicated hardworking dairy farmer who was “very passionate about his jerseys” and while he didn’t know Catherine as well she was always “warm and friendly” whenever he visited their property.

“It couldn’t have been easy balancing a dairy farm and two daughters, but they always made it work, family was always very important to them,” Mr Ness said.

Trevor was a “very passionate Port supporter” and a big fan of watching the team every week, he said.

Jersey Australia also said it extend its sincere condolences to all the family on behalf of the board and members.

Members of the Limestone Coast community have passed on their condolences and touching tributes for the couple online – with many sharing what “wonderful” people the pair were and mourning the hole their passing will leave in the community.

“Absolutely shocked to hear this news. Down to earth, decent, friendly people,” one person posted. “I’ve been to their farm a few times collecting their beloved jerseys, (they were) always up for a chat. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.”

“These were wonderful people. Rest in peace Trevor and Cathy,” another person wrote.

“They were the greatest people, alive always helping out others! You will be missed by way too many people.

“They will leave a great hole in so many lives. Thank you for your friendship over the years.

“Forever going to miss you.”

The driver of the Tesla also involved in the crash, a 42-year-old woman, and her 69-year-old female passenger, both from Victoria, were taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The sole occupant of the Ford ute, 51-year-old Penola man Shane Leistra was taken to hospital for minor injuries and later arrested and charged with two counts of cause death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing harm by dangerous driving.

He appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court via phone link from hospital on Tuesday, April 2, and was released on bail.

He will next appear in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court in November.

Originally published as Couple killed in horror Penola crash remembered as ’wonderful people’