Coffs, Mid-North Coast mourns Bruce Jacups, 54, and teen girl after horrific Waterfall Way motorbike crash
Grief has rippled through the Coffs and Mid-North Coast after a well-known motorbike rider and a teenage girl tragically died in a harrowing crash. Here’s what we know.
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Grief has rippled through the Coffs and Mid-North Coast after a well-known motorbike rider and a teenage girl tragically died in a harrowing crash at Dorrigo Mountain.
Motorcycle rider Bruce Jacups, 54, and a pillion passenger in her teens were involved with a collision with a car on Thursday, April 25.
Coffs-Clarence Police rushed to the scene on Waterfall Way, the steep and twisty road where the pair lost their lives on scene about 12.40pm.
The driver of the car, Lloyd Edward Bush, 34, was not injured, but he was taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital for mandatory testing.
Police state officers set up a crime scene after the crash and it was examined forensically by specialist Crash Investigation Unit officers.
Bush was taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station and charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and two counts of negligent driving occasioning death.
He has not entered any pleas to the charges.
The tragedy has shocked the community, with many taking to Facebook and other social media sites to express grief and offer condolences.
“I’m saddened to hear of you and (the girl’s) tragic passing. Such a lovely open hearted man who gave freely his time and enthusiasm for life,” a woman wrote.
Another woman said: “Your photography adventures were such great stories to hear … Bellingen was brighter for having you in it.”
“Blessing to you and your girl on your journey home,” she said.
A man expressed his grief and wrote: Zero words. Mate … my heart bleeds.”
Mr Jacups and the girl were clearly much-loved in the region and many have penned emotional goodbyes.
“Follow, follow the sun and which way the wind blows, when the day is done. Farewell … ,” one man wrote.
One of Mr Jacups’s most recent Facebook posts includes a photo of him wearing a motorcycle helmet with the sky overhead, captioned: “And the skies opened.”
“Prophetic,” a woman said.
Meanwhile, Bush was refused bail to face Coffs Harbour Local Court last Friday.
The case was adjourned to a later date.
Waterfall Way is a popular tourist drive with lookouts and picnic spots along the way.
Know more? Phone Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
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