Man accused of running over mates with ute before State of Origin

The friends had gathered to watch Wednesday’s State of Origin match before the shocking tragedy unfolded in front of neighbours.

Elena Couper

less than 2 min read

June 2, 2023 - 10:33AM

NCA NewsWire

Bobby Kelsall and Stephen Lippis died at the scene. Picture: Supplied

Charges have been laid against a man who allegedly fatally ran over two of his friends with his ute after the group had gathered to watch Wednesday’s State of Origin match.

Police say Nathan Bernhard, 27, was attempting to leave a mate’s house on Condie Crescent in North Nowra at about 7pm on Wednesday.

Mr Bernhard was planning on driving a short distance down the road when two of his friends, Bobby Kelsall, 36, and Stephen Lippis, 41, tried to stop him, according to police

Bystanders administered first aid until paramedics arrived. Picture: 7 News

A police spokesperson said officers were told the men were “lying on the road” when they were run over by the utility, both sustaining critical injuries.

Despite the best efforts of bystanders who administered first aid until paramedics arrived, both men died at the scene.

Bobby Kelsall and Stephen Lippis both died at the scene. Picture: Supplied

Neighbour Joanne Campbell told 7 News that it “wasn’t a nice scene”.

“(It’s) not something you see every day because it’s a nice quiet street here,” she said.

Mr Bernhard was arrested and taken to Nowra Police Station where a breath analysis was conducted. He was then taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Neighbour Joanne Campbell was shocked by the incident that happened on the normally 'quiet street'. Picture: 7 News

Police later charged the 27-year-old with dangerous driving occasioning death/driving in a dangerous manner, negligent driving occasioning death and driving with a middle-range prescribed concentration of alcohol.