Scott Death charged over Cowra courtesy bus crash that killed 84-year-old Ray Padget and injured several others

A man has been released on bail following a tragic fatal crash in a Central West town, leaving residents “heartbroken” over the loss of a “very loved” man. Here’s the latest.

Cowra man Scott Death, 32, has been charged over the fatal courtesy bus crash at Cowra. Credit: TNV

A man has been granted bail following a horrific crash that killed one man and left others hospitalised in the state’s central west.

A Kia Sorrento was involved in a collision with a Toyota Hi-Ace minibus, a Cowra Bowls Club courtesy bus, which was taking its members home.

Emergency services were called to Fitzroy Av, Cowra, about 10.40pm on December 16, after reports the two vehicles had collided, causing the bus to overturn.

Ray Padget, an 84-year-old being taken home in the courtesy bus, died at the scene.

The bus driver, a 61-year-old woman, and four other passengers, two men aged 41 and 78, and two women aged 55 and 60, were injured with three taken to Cowra Hospital and a fourth flown Orange Base Hospital for further treatment.

The scene of the fatal crash at Cowra. Picture: TNV

The owner of the Sorrento, 32-year-old Scott Death, of Cowra, was taken to Cowra Hospital for mandatory testing before being released pending further investigations.

He was then arrested on Sunday morning and charged with dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, cause bodily harm by misconduct – in charge of motor vehicle, negligent driving occasioning death and two counts of knowingly make false/misleading statement.

Orange Local Court. Pictures Grant Jones

Death was granted bail with strict conditions after he appeared at Orange Local Court on Monday.

He is restricted from entering Cowra, driving a vehicle, leaving the state and contacting any witnesses.

Club manager Marc Eisenhauer their tight-knit club is “devastated” and “still trying to comprehend the loss” following Saturday night’s tragedy.

“It was our last day of bowls for the year, and he was here all day just enjoying himself then taking the courtesy bus home, which is standard practise, how could you expect he wouldn’t make it home.”

“It’s heartbreaking at any time of year but especially just before Christmas, it’s a lot to process, he was a very loved regular.”

Death will next appear in court on March 27, 2024.