Hunter father Jason Kildey and retired teacher Kay Pashalis killed in horror night on NSW roads

A doting dad of eight children and a much-loved former teacher were two of three road fatalities in NSW on a horror night on Friday.

A doting dad of eight children and a much-loved former teacher are the most recent faces of the state’s growing road toll, following a horror night of crashes.

On Friday evening, three people, including 44-year-old Jason Kildey, and 63-year-old Kay Pashalis, were killed in four major crashes on NSW roads.

The deaths, which also included a 13-year-old boy, pushed NSW’s road toll up to 212 for 2024, compared with 191 for this time last year.

Mr Kildey’s family told The Saturday Telegraph they were “devastated and in shock” after he died in a three-vehicle collision at Gillieston Heights, near Maitland in the Hunter Valley, about 7.30pm.

“Jason was a loved and dedicated father of eight amazing children, a beloved son, brother and uncle,” they said.

“He was well loved by all who knew him and was a friend to everyone, he lived life to the fullest and always enjoyed the good times, he will be greatly missed and forever loved and remembered by his children and all who knew him.

Jason Kildey. Picture: Supplied

Kay Pashalis. Picture: supplied

“Jason’s personality was always larger than life itself, and he’d want everyone to remember him by living that way.”

Ms Pashalis also lost her life in Sydney’s south on Friday afternoon, after she was allegedly struck by the driver of a 4WD on Forest Rd at Peakhurst.

The 63-year-old was a much-loved teacher, who only recently retired after working for decades at Kingsgrove High School.

Despite the efforts of first responders, she tragically died at the scene.

The driver of the 4WD – a 48-year-old man – was taken to St George hospital for mandatory testing and later charged with negligent driving occasioning death.

He was refused bail in Parramatta Court on Saturday and will appear at Sutherland Local Court on August 9.

A teenage boy, just 13, died 15 minutes later after he was struck by a vehicle in Lithgow.

Emergency services responded to reports two male pedestrians – aged 13 and 24 – had been struck by a vehicle along the Great Western Highway, Bowenfels, about 6pm.

Bystanders performed CPR on the teenager until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrive.

He was taken to Lithgow Hospital in a critical condition then flown to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, where he later died.

The 24-year-old man was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The driver – a 45-year-old man – was uninjured. He was taken to Lithgow Hospital for mandatory testing.

The tragedies have prompted senior police to urge road users to follow the rules and drive to the conditions.

The crash which claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy. Picture: TNV

“We’re imploring all road users to take extra care. They have an obligation to themselves, to their passengers and to every other road user to get to their destination safely,” Acting Assistant Commissioner David Driver said.

“If they comply with the road rules, they’ll protect each other and themselves.

“If you are crossing the road, please be mindful that you may not be seen, particularly at night.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Driver said all of the crashes were under investigation by specialist officers.

The tragic night of fatalities follows on from a shocking month – where 18 people were killed on the roads in NSW during the month of July.
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