‘Most exceptional nephew’: Family and friends pay tribute to 35-year-old Daniel Wood after a fatal crash north of Adelaide

The 35-year-old who died in a shocking crash north of Adelaide after he failed to negotiate a bend and slammed into a pole, has been identified.

A man killed after his Holden station wagon hit a pole north of Adelaide in the early hours of Monday morning has been identified as 35-year-old Daniel Wood.

Emergency services were called to Uley Rd, One Tree Hill, about 1.30am on Monday to reports of a single vehicle collision.

Police say the impact split the car in half and the driver, Mr Wood, died at the scene.

Family and friends have started to pay tribute to the Gumeracha Football player, with heartfelt words from his Uncle Benn Wood on Facebook, saying that he was the “most exceptional nephew”.

Gumeracha Football Club player Daniel Wood has died in a Crash at One Tree Hill. Picture: Facebook

Family and friends have started to pay tribute to the Gumeracha Football player. Picture: Simon James Passchl Photography

“Daniel Wood you will forever be the most exceptional nephew anyone could ever aspire to, embodying a compassionate and warm personality that inspires all,” he wrote.

“Showcasing unwavering loyalty as your most admirable quality, possessing a smile that is irresistibly contagious, consistently radiating positivity, care, and sincerity, forever wearing a warm smile and always standing ready to lend a supportive hand to anyone in need.

“A true embodiment of hope and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts, which are now broken and struggling to comprehend our loss. Words can’t describe the pain we are feeling, you will be in our hearts always & forever.”

Friends have described Mr Wood as a loving and caring person, and a “talented footballer” who would drop whatever he was doing to “help anyone”.

Scene of overnight fatal car crash on Uley Rd at One Tree Hill. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide

Mr Wood’s Holden failed to negotiate a bend and slammed into a pole, the impact tearing the car apart and leaving the concrete pole in need of replacement, police say.

He was driving in a 100km speed zone, which locals are now calling on the state government to lower the speed limit due to another fatal crash on the same road almost two weeks earlier.

On January 31, a head-on collision between a black Volkswagen and white Holden on Uley Rd, near Beatrix Dr, claimed the life of father of two, 49-year-old Sam Philp. 

“Two tragedies in two weeks, it’s about time that they did something to [the road],” One Tree Hill resident Barbara Broomhead said speaking to Nine News.

“Our hearts go out to them.”

Mr Wood’s death is the 16th life lost on South Australian roads so far this year: Picture: Benn Wood

Major Crash investigators attended and examined the scene of Mr Wood’s death overnight, and are now investigating whether speed was a factor in the crash.

Mr Wood’s death is the 16th life lost on South Australian roads so far this year.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the vehicle driving prior to the crash or has any further information that may assist the investigation into the fatal crash can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Originally published as ‘Most exceptional nephew’: Family and friends pay tribute to 35-year-old Daniel Wood after a fatal crash north of Adelaide