Richmond crash: Driver faces court over cyclists’ deaths
Nicholas James Parker, 19, is charged over the deaths of two cyclists at Richmond just before Christmas.
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A TEEN driver was flanked by his parents as he appeared in court yesterday accused of running down and killing two cyclists in Richmond just before Christmas.
Nicholas James Parker, yesterday faced a magistrate for the first time since the December 19 crash which left Chris Culver, 40, and Geoff Havill, 49, dead.
Police allege the two men were riding along Kurrajong Rd, north west of Sydney, just before 5am when they were allegedly struck head-on by a Hyundai i30 with Parker, 19, at the wheel.
Mr Havill died at the scene and Mr Culver was flown to Westmead Hospital with critical injuries.
Mr Culver died later that evening.
Two days later Parker was charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, one count of negligent driving occasioning death and another of not keeping left of the dividing line.
Police allege the teen, from nearby Grose Vale, was driving dangerously and negligently at the time of the crash.
The families and friends of both men have remembered them as loving fathers and husbands, who shared a passion for cycling.
Fundraising drives have collected close to $80,000 in donations for their families.
“A much loved man who was taken tragically, Chris was a wonderful husband and father, and a great friend who’s loss will be greatly felt,” North Western Sydney Cycling Club’s Kim Stokeld wrote.
“Chris had a passion for cycling and loved his time pedalling the roads with a few mates.
“It was doing the sport that he loved so much that he was involved in a terrible accident that tragically ended his life too soon.”
Bec Aitchison paid tribute to Mr Havill. “Geoff left home with one of his mates on their usual early morning cycle,” she said.
“Unfortunately, this was to be their last ride – they were involved in a terrible accident just before 5am.
“Geoff leaves behind his wife Sharon, son Luke, 8, and daughter Holly, 5.
“Geoff will be sadly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.”
Mr Parker was silent as his matter was briefly mentioned in Windsor Local Court yesterday.
He was supported by his mother and father as he left the court complex.
Parker is yet to enter pleas to the charges.
The matter will return to court on April 2.