Yarraville snooker club member Craig Turner, 46 dies in South Morang crash

A popular Victorian snooker player and stalwart of the inner-west community has been identified after a fatal crash as the people rally to support his family.

Snooker enthusiast and member of the VBSA and Yarraville Club Craig Turner, 46 tragically died in a South Morang crash on May 22. Picture: Supplied.

The Victorian snooker community is mourning the loss of a much-loved member as it vows to support his family.

Craig Turner, a popular member of the Victorian Billiards and Snooker Association (VBSA) tragically died aged 46.

The former committee member of the Yarraville snooker club was identified after a fatal crash in South Morang last week.

Snooker enthusiast and VBSA member Craig Turner, 46 is survived by wife Mel. Picture: Supplied

Tributes have flown from the wider snooker community as they remember a “top bloke” and “great character”.

VBSA secretary Julie Watson established a GoFundMe last week and called upon mourners to dig deep for Mr Turner’s wife and family.

Long-term association treasurer George Hoy said Craig was an ardent snooker player who travelled across Australia to compete in the “game he loved”.

He said Mr Turner made lots of friends from state to state and his death had impacted the many people he met through the game over more than two decades.

Craig and Mel idolised their dogs according to friends. Picture: Supplied

“We are all devastated, but particularly for his wife Mel and we want to do whatever we can to help fund the funeral or help the family get by,” Mr Hoy said.

“They were a lovely couple, they had their dogs which they both idolised and Craig was involved with the Yarraville community for many years, he still helped run the club despite moving away some years ago.”

When the news was shared on social media, old friends shared touching memories.

As well as snooker, Craig loved riding his motorcycle. Picture: Supplied

“He was such a great character to have around, particularly for a drink when it was done and dusted. Rest in peace mate the snooker fraternity will miss you deeply,” one person said.

“Craig was a top bloke and I’ll miss our chats at the tournaments. Rest In Peace mate you will be deeply missed,” another added.

A GoFundMe established last week had already raised $3800 by Tuesday afternoon from more than 40 donations.

The organisers were grateful for the outpouring of support and hope to raise at least $5000 to cover funeral arrangements, medical bills, and any additional financial obligations they may face.