Tributes flow for Coffs Harbour Pacific Motorway crash victim Jack Crittle
Tears and tributes have flowed for a young northern NSW man who died after a tragic – and for a time, undiscovered – Pacific Motorway crash near Coffs Harbour.
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Tears and tributes have flowed for the young man who died after a tragic – and for a time, undiscovered – crash near Coffs Harbour.
Jack Crittle, 26, from the Ocean Shores area in Northern NSW, was found dead after a single vehicle accident on the Pacific Motorway on Monday, November 28.
It’s believed the crash may have happened four days earlier – and was only discovered by a truck driver who was stalled in highway traffic due to an unrelated accident.
The popular DJ was apparently able to walk a short distance from the wreckage of the black Audi A4 – which wound up down an embankment near the intersection of the Motorway and Archville Station Rd off ramp – before succumbing to his injuries.
A GoFundMe page has been started to raise money to cover Mr Crittle’s funeral costs.
Donations are no longer being accepted as the target was quickly reached.
Moving tributes have been posted across social media pages in the Northern Rivers.
“Our hearts are breaking but things are made that little bit easier knowing how much he was loved by so many,” Tara Crittle posted to her Facebook page.
Many spoke of Mr Crittle’s creativity, describing him as a free spirit – and forever good natured.
“You were a shooting star, gone too soon, like a blazing comet, burning a trail of the most ecstatic fire,” Lily Lotus posted.
Justin Dono wrote: “Jacky dacks, what a mess this is. Never met someone so passionate about life. The energy you brought to every day was an absolute inspiration. We connected over music and backflips … hope you are goin flat out like always brother.”
Graeme Chapple said Mr Crittle was a doer not a talker and he recalled a meeting where a lack of entertainment options for local youth was raised.
“Jack said ‘we need regular supervised events and activities for the youth in this shire’ and in no time he was running gigs at the YAC (Byron Youth Activities Centre) and numerous other locations. He had stepped up for these kids when no one else had,” Mr Chapple said.
Justin Angel wrote: “You came here, shone your light really hard and now off to bless some other realm. I pray your legacy of awesomeness inspires other young people to step into their power and become a legend in their own time as you have. Love you little brother.”
A user by the name of Furry Dogmother wrote: “To live in the hearts of those we love is to not die. (Jack Crittle). Always in our hearts Jack, we love you.”
Ziggy Bramich: “You were inspiring. A larger than life human whose excitement for life trumped everything else in the room. I didn’t know anyone younger than me who had the drive and deep seated passion to create music experiences the way you did. You brought so much colour to the local scene.”
Dean Jefferys said: “Huge loss for all who knew this inspiring young man. I also feel for his parents. Not something any parent should have to endure.
“I saw him blossom into a loving courageous giving and inspiring young man who cared heaps for his community and became an inspiring role model for some of the youth.
“He wasnt afraid to learn from his adventures and share his learnings. The small consolation is knowing he has returned to source and in a bliss state and not suffering.”
Mr Crittle was the sole occupant in the southbound Audi which crossed the median strip and crashed into a culvert on the opposite side of the motorway.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.