Vigil held for father killed in freak vehicle collision

Crowds gathered in Grafton to remember Marty Stait, the father of two who tragically died after a roll of wire collided with his vehicle.

Family, friends and members of the Clarence Valley community gathered Thursday evening at Market Square in Grafton to honour a father who tragically died following a freak vehicle collision.

Ulmarra man Marty Stait was heading home along the Big River Way with his two young children last Friday when a large roll of wire struck his vehicle. On Sunday, he succumbed to his injuries sustained from the collision.

Photos of Ulmarra man Marty Stait were on display at the Grafton Twilight Markets on Thursday (August 12, 2021).

A table was adorned in flowers, fairy lights, food and small keepsakes as family and friends lit incense before saying a prayer. A constant stream of strangers and members of the emergency services who attended the scene that night, came forward to offer warm hugs to his family.

Reflecting on the evening, Grafton Twilight Market organiser Debrah Novak said she will miss watching Mr Stait share his love of gemstones.

“He had a gemstone stall here since November, December last year. I had my doubts about whether or not his stall would work but it’s surprising how many kids and adults love rocks. His stall was so popular,” she said.

“I used to watch him with the kids around the stall; he was really generous with his knowledge and just a very kind young guy.”

At precisely 6pm, the crowd gathered around the centre of the market and held a minute silence to remember Mr Stait.

Tributes have begun to flow for Marty Stait who tragically died in a motor vehicle collision on Big River Way, Swan Creek NSW on Friday, August 6 2021.

However, Ms Novak said there was another person that should be honoured in the face of this tragedy.

“As far as I know, his eight-year-old daughter was the one who called for help that night,” she said.

“To be that young and have the presence of mind to keep it together and call it in... she deserves a medal.”