Tributes flow for father of two Marty Stait who died days after freak road crash

Tributes are flowing for a 35-year-old who tragically died in the state’s north just days after being involved in a frightening incident in front of his two children.

Marty Stait tragically died days after a large object struck his vehicle while travelling on Big River Way, Swan Creek NSW.

The opal community across Australia is mourning the death of a fellow enthusiast following a freak vehicle collision on the NSW North Coast last week.

On Friday, 35-year-old Marty Stait, was travelling home to Ulmarra, NSW with his two young children when a large roll of wire fell off another vehicle and smashed into his Mazda Bravo. Mr Stait suffered significant injuries which later proved to be fatal.

The Diggers Opal Facebook group, where Mr Stait was well known among its community, shared the news in a heartbreaking live video on Sunday evening. Group owner and good friend David Bone has since organised a GoFundMe page to support the Stait family.

“He’s got a lovely wife and kids and they’re going to need our help,” Mr Bone said, while struggling to hold back tears during the live broadcast.

“If you can help us out, that would be fantastic. We just want to help his family.”

Mr Stait, originally from the Central Coast before moving north to Ulmarra, was also well known for his gemstones and opal stall at the Grafton Twilight Markets.

“Marty was a gentle soul who walked quietly on our earth,” market co-ordinator Debrah Novak said on the Market Facebook page.

“He loved talking about his gems and rocks with a real sparkle in his eye and the kids and adults loved his stall. He was always on time, well mannered, polite, always offered to help me set up.”

A special tribute to Mr Stait and donation drive for his family will be held at markets on Thursday.

“We will hold a one-minute silence for Marty, onsite at 6pm to honour his time with us,” she said.

“We will also have a card where people can sign their names and leave a heartfelt message. We will be providing a food donation to the family if anyone would like to donate.”

Click here to donate to the Marty Stait GoFundMe page

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