Anthony Graeme Seymour’s eerie Facebook post before Targa Tasmania rally tragedy

A man killed in a crash at a car rally in Tasmania posted an eerie final message to Facebook before the tragic accident.

A driver killed in a crash during a car rally in Tasmania posted a message about his excitement leading up to the heartbreaking incident.

Anthony (Tony) Graeme Seymour, 59, took to social media to post about the Targa Tasmania rally that would later claim his life early Wednesday morning.

“Day 1 and double bogey on the first hole with a little pavement contact. Toys back in the cot and let’s go Day 2,” his post read.

Tributes have flowed for the “long time competitor”, who was remembered as a true gentleman of the sport, who always carried “a smile on his face”.

“I will always remember him for his welcoming, friendly, inclusive and warm nature – always smiling and always happy to help,” one friend said.

Brisbane motorsport identity Anthony Seymour has been identified as the driver killed in the Targa Tasmania rally. Picture: Supplied/Facebook

Tony and Sandra Seymour travelled the country competing in the motorsport. Picture: Supplied/Facebook

“People like you are never forgotten – we lost a great human being.”

The victim, who was an experienced driver and “fierce competitor”, had competed in many rallies over recent years.

Targa Tasmania said the entire community was deeply affected by Mr Seymour’s death.

“Tony was a much loved member of our Targa family and we are just crushed by what has happened,” Chief executive Mark Perry said.

“We are all just devastated by this tragedy and all of our thoughts are with Tony’s wife Sandra and his extended family and friends.”

The rally car drivers wife, Sandra Seymour, miraculously escaped the crash without serious injury.

The Queensland woman, who was a passenger in the bright yellow 2013 Lotus Exige, was sitting next to her husband when their car crashed down a 20 metre steep embankment, smashing into a tree on Wednesday afternoon at Mount Roland, in the state’s north.

She walked away from the fatal accident that claimed Mr Seymour’s life, and was later taken to Launceston General Hospital for observation.

Tony and Sandra Seymour were lifelong competitors of the Targa rallies. Picture: Supplied/Facebook

The accident took place in the final stages on the second day of the annual six day Targa rally, which had about 500 entries.

Organisers announced the rally would be downgraded to a non-competitive event, as the new death pushes Targa’s death toll rises to four fatalities in just two years.

The Targa Tasmania chief executive, Mark Perry, said the news was “shattering”.

“We lost a close member of the Targa family, a long-term, regular competitor of ours,” he said.

“It’s hard to put words to it for us right now, after last year and all the work we’ve done to improve the course from last year.”

Tasmania Police Inspector Darren Hopkins said emergency services worked into Wednesday night to remove Mr Seymour’s body from the wreckage.

The wife walked away from the crash without serious physical injury. Picture: Supplied.

“I’m told the road was wet but it wasn’t raining at the time,” he said.

“(We have) no idea at this stage (about the cause). It could even be a medical condition.”

The 2022 rally event was operating under its toughest safety guidelines following an independent investigation into three deaths from last year’s race.

Shane Navin, 68, was killed after he lost control of his vehicle at Double Barrel Creek on the West Coast.

Hobart man Leigh Mundy and Queensland navigator Dennis Neagle also died when their Porsche veered off the road into a tree at high speed on the Cygnet stage.

The six-day tarmac rally is scheduled to finish in Hobart on Sunday after more 2000km of racing.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.