Marcus Hargrave charged with manslaughter of Michael Ryan after fatal crash

NSW Police has laid more charges against a driver who allegedly caused a devastating crash which claimed the life of his friend in Cooma before fleeing to Canberra.

Michael Ryan (pictured with his partner Ellie Locker) was killed in a devastating crash in Cooma in November 2023. Picture: Facebook

A Berridale man has had new charges levelled against him for allegedly causing the death of a beloved Queanbeyan man in a dangerous crash.

Marcus Hargrave, 23, was charged with manslaughter and mid range drink driving in Cooma Local Court on Wednesday, several months following the death of Michael Ryan in a horror crash in Cooma.

Court documents allege Hargrave, who was disqualified from holding a driver’s licence, performed a “burnout” in a Ford Falcon for 70m and drove dangerously in an uninsured and unregistered vehicle on November 18, 2023.

Police allege the 23-year-old was with Mr Ryan when the car careered into a tree on Vulcan St.

Michael Ryan died in a horror crash in Cooma on November 18, 2023. Picture: Contributed

Emergency services swarmed the quiet backstreet about 11.45pm and desperately tried to save Mr Ryan however he died at the scene.

It’s alleged by police Hargrave was nowhere to be found and fled the wreckage.

He was allegedly found by police at Canberra Hospital several hours later where he was treated for his injuries.

Following his extradition from the ACT to NSW, he was remanded into custody to appear in Cooma Local Court on Wednesday.

Defence barrister James Sabharwal appeared for Hargrave and asked for a four week adjournment.

Mr Sabharwal acknowledged the new charges levelled against his client, and told magistrate Roger Clisdell he anticipated it would be a “short matter”.

Ellie Jayne and her partner Michael Ryan. Picture: Facebook

Hargrave’s matter was adjourned to Queanbeyan Local Court on April 2.

The Berridale man made no application for bail and remanded into custody.

He was initially charged with seven offences, including dangerous driving occasioning death, failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death and prolonged, sustained loss of traction.

Hargrave now faces a charge of manslaughter and drink driving.

Mr Ryan’s partner Ellie Locker paid tribute to her partner of five years following his death, saying they “pulled each other through everything”.

“Michael was the love of my life and forever will be no matter how much time goes by,” Ms Locker said.

“We just celebrated our fifth year anniversary, we had been through the most unimaginable things through our five years.

“We pulled each other through everything.”