Shaun Ross, Nick Williams: Somerset crash duo identified as co-workers

The two young Tasmanians who lost their lives in a horror rollover on the weekend were co-workers at an engineering firm, with one of them leaving behind a baby daughter and partner.

The two young northwest Tasmanian men who lost their lives in a horror utility rollover on Friday night were co-workers at a well-known engineering firm which employs hundreds, it can be revealed.

Somerset man Shaun Ross, 27, and Wynyard’s Nick Williams, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene of the rollover, which occurred about 9.45pm Friday, on Seabrook Rd, Somerset, near the intersection of Coopers Lane.

The pair were travelling in a 2012 white Toyota Landcruiser utility that left the roadway and struck a tree, ending up in a culvert.

One of the pair was thrown from the vehicle, while the other remained in the cab.

Both of the men were colleagues at Burnie-headquartered The Engineering Company, a privately owned firm which employs hundreds.

TEC’s managing director declined to comment when contacted by the Mercury, citing ongoing rawness.

Mr Williams and Mr Ross, who leaves behind his partner and 18-month-old daughter, were both described by friends and family as hard workers who would give the shirt from their back to their family and mates.

Friend Dillon Roberts said Mr Williams was a one of the “best young men that our community had to offer”.

“Nick’s maturity belied his years and he was an incredibly hardworking, driven young man who always did have big plans for the future,” Mr Roberts said.

Wynyard 20-year-old Nick Williams, who died in a vehicle rollover with colleague Shaun Ross, 27, on Friday, March 11, 2022. Picture: Facebook

“As much as Nick loved work, kicking the pig skin, his mates, and country music, there was never anything more important to Nick than his family.

“Nick loved his parents and he loved being a big brother... an amazing man who always put his family first.”

Mr Williams was also remembered by the Wynyard and District Cricket club, who he played for as a junior.

“Nick’s humble and comforting smile lit up the room,” the club said, noting his qualities took him to a leadership position within the club.

Mr Ross, meanwhile, was “the big brother I never had... a great dad (and) such a good partner”, his partner’s younger sister Elly Donohue said.

“Anyone who knew Shaun knew how incredible he was, his humour and confidence lit up every room he walked into,” Ms Donohue said.

“He did everything he possibly could for everyone, he was such a giver and loved his family and friends so much.

“I can’t believe his life has been taken so soon, he had so many plans and such a big future ahead of him.”

A fundraiser for the pair’s family, started by TEC colleague Clayton Pointon, has so far raised $10,720, exceeding its $10,000 goal within 24 hours.

Originally published as Shaun Ross, Nick Williams: Somerset crash duo identified as co-workers