Gawler man Jason Harvey, 53, killed in Kapunda crash

The man killed in a horror highway smash over which a truckie has been charged is being remembered as a treasured member of the Australian swap-meet and collectable community.

A man killed in a crash north of Adelaide is being mourned across the country as it is revealed he was a treasured member of the antique fair and swap meet community.

Jason Harvey, 53, died when his car and a truck collided on the Thiele Highway at Fords, about 10km outside Kapunda, just after 1pm Tuesday.

Mr Harvey, from Gawler, was the sole occupant of the car while the 79-year-old truck driver, from Nuriootpa, was later charged over the collision.

Mr Harvey was a highly regarded member of the collectable and picker communities that spans across Australia, and was known for his keen eye and knowledge of myriad items.

The scene of the crash on the Thiele Highway at Fords, near Kapunda. Picture: 7NEWS

“Jason was both popular and prominent in the collectables and picker community, and like most people who have chosen that way of life, he spent way more time on the road than most,” Maldon Events’ Mark Blythe shared on social media.

Friends of Mr Harvey shared their grief on the post, revealing he had attended a swap-meet at Bendigo at the weekend.

“Always loads of cool stuff, the man had a great eye and knew his stuff – especially toys,” a friend shared.

Another wrote: “The guy was such a genuine nice bloke.”

Jason Harvey, 53, of Gawler, was killed in a collision between a ute and a truck at Fords, near Kapunda, on the Thiele Highway. Picture: Facebook

Mr Harvey’s partner shared they had only recently moved to Kapunda before the tragedy occurred.

“Jas was a wonderful person who we love more than anything,” she said.

Another friend shared a tribute to the well-known collector.

“You will be missed throughout the auctions, swap-meets, antique and collectors markets … a knowledgeable man gone too soon,” they said.

“You will be in our hearts.”

Mr Harvey is the 80th lost on South Australia’s roads this year.

Mr Harvey is the 80th life lost on South Australian roads this year. Picture: George Yankovich

The truck driver, a 79-year-old Nuriootpa man was transported to hospital for mandatory testing.

He was since charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

He was granted police bail to appear in the Tanunda Magistrates Court on January 14, 2025.

The trucking company – Mantina Quarries – released a statement confirming one of their drivers was behind the wheel during the “tragic collision” on the highway.

“Sadly, the driver of the car has lost their life,” the statement said.

“Our thoughts are with their family and friends as police begin their investigation.

“Our truck driver was taken to hospital for a precautionary check up and we are providing counselling support.”

Originally published as Gawler man Jason Harvey, 53, killed in Kapunda crash