Michael Ryan dies in horror Cooma crash allegedly caused by Marcus Hargrave

The grief-stricken fiance of a 25-year-old man who was allegedly left to die by a driver accused of causing a crash south of Canberra has revealed her heartache at her partner’s death.

Heartbroken fiance Ellie Locker has shared her heartache after losing her partner Michael Ryan in a horror car crash in Cooma. Picture: Facebook

The heartbroken partner of a 25-year-old Queanbeyan man who was allegedly left for dead in a horror crash has paid tribute to the “beautiful person” she knew.

Police allege Michael Ryan, 25, was killed in a dangerous crash caused by Marcus Hargrave, 23, on November 18 after their Ford Falcon careered into a tree on Vulcan St in Cooma.

Emergency services rushed to the quiet backstreet about 11.45pm and found Mr Ryan in a critical condition in the front passenger seat.

Paramedics tried to assist the young man, but he sadly died at the scene.

Police allege Hargrave, who they claim was the driver, abandoned the wrecked Falcon and travelled to Canberra Hospital, more than an hour away, where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Michael Ryan has been identified as the passenger who died in a horror crash in Cooma on November 18. Picture: Contributed

Michael Ryan and his partner Ellie Locker. Picture: Facebook

Hargrave was placed under police guard and later extradited from Canberra by NSW Police before he was 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.

Mr Ryan’s partner of five years said she is still “absolutely shattered” since losing him.

The 25-year-old was known by most people as “Smiley”, according to his fiance, a nickname he received when he was a child “because of his beautiful smile”.

Mr Ryan and Ms Locker were engaged. Picture: Facebook

Tributes left at the scene of a fatal crash on Vulcan St in Cooma.

“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.”

Ms Locker said her partner was “absolutely unforgettable, so unique, and beautiful”, and was the “light in every room he stepped in”.

“[He] always knew how to make everyone laugh and smile, even in the dark times, he would always help people find that light,” she said.

“Michael had so much potential, and all he ever wanted out of life was for people to be happy, all he ever did in life was help everyone in need.

Mr Ryan was a budding photographer and family man. Picture: Contributed

“Michael changed so many lives for the better, even when he struggled himself. He was one of a kind, and he will never be forgotten.”

It’s understood the couple were visiting friends and family in Berridale the weekend of the crash.

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

Police allege Hargrave also failed to stop and give Mr Ryan assistance after impact.

Hargrave’s matter will be mentioned in Cooma Local Court on February 7.