Maddie Pracy killed in highway crash at Bonville, Coffs Harbour remembered

A young female driver killed instantly in a fiery smash south of Coffs Harbour has been remembered as “unique, wild and loving”. A male passenger died while another freed himself and remains in hospital.

Maddie Pracy was killed in a car accident south of Coffs Harbour in the early hours of May 22, 2024.

A young driver killed instantly in a horror smash on the highway south of Coffs Harbour has been remembered as “unique, wild and loving”.

Maddie Colless-Pracy died when the car she was driving north along the Pacific Highway left the road at Bonville just after 12.40am on May 22, crashing into a tree and bursting into flames.

A 21-year-old male passenger died at the scene of the accident south of Coffs Harbour which led to major traffic diversions as police investigated. He is yet to be identified.

Following the tragedy tributes have flown for 20-year-old Maddie who worked at Bunnings.

“So sad, so young,” wrote Jannell Carol, with Clare Alston adding “she was such a beautiful girl”.

Maddie Colless-Pracy was killed in a single-car crash on the highway south of Coffs Harbour on May 22.

She leaves behind grieving parents Darren and Jessica and sister Billy who have described her as “unique, wild, loving and free” in a public announcement via Keith Logue and Sons noting her funeral to be held at a time yet to be determined.

Vanessa Jones has established a GoFundMe campaign to: “give Maddie the memorial she deserves – to honour her memory and say our last goodbyes.”

In the first four days of being created it has raised $8,077 in excess of its original target of $5,000.

“Forever on my mind and forever in my heart,” wrote Teakyah Bensley in support of her $200 donation.

Long road to recovery

Another male passenger – 20-year-old Tallyn Holten – who was in the car with Maddie at the time of the accident managed to free himself from the vehicle and was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.

At time of publishing on Tuesday, a Gold Coast Health spokesperson said Mr Holten was still in hospital and in a stable condition.

Melissa Holten has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist in his recovery from what she describes as severe and long term injuries

“Any donations will help Tallyn and his family during this stressful and upsetting time, and will also help with his future medical cost which will be wholeheartedly appreciated as he has a long road to recovery.”

As of Tuesday afternoon the campaign had raised $520 of a $8,000 target.

On the afternoon of the accident police made a public plea urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash – or have any available dashcam/mobile phone footage – to contact Coffs Harbour Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Detective Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty, described the crash as an “absolutely tragic event”.

At the time he said it was too early to comment as to what may have caused the incident – whether it was driver error or fatigue.

On Tuesday afternoon NSW Police were approached for an update on the investigation and advised simply that it was “ongoing” and a spokesperson reiterated the call for witnesses to come forward.

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