Home and Away cast, fans cling to hope for star critical after crash
The cast and fans of Home and Away are clinging to hope that former star Jessica Falkholt and her sister Annabelle can survive the shocking crash which killed their parents.
Falkholt's Home and Away castmates have been left devastated as their friend's life hangs in the balance in hospital with several co-stars taking to social media to pay their tributes.
"Join me in sending all your loving and healing thoughts to Jess and her sister and the whole Falkholt family," Olivia Deeble said online.
"Can we please send all our support, love and prayers," wrote Jackson Heywood.
"I cannot stress enough to please drive safe these holiday guys."
Pia Miller posted a photo captioned: "Thinking of you."
Channel 7 also issued a statement in the wake of the crash.
"Although her time on set was brief, once a part of the Home and Away family, always part of the family," they said.
"Jessica's outstanding talent and professional attitude left an impression on us all."
The 28-year-old, who is a graduate from the National Institute of Dramatic Art who has played a roles in several Australian television series, and her 21-year-old sister were passengers in their parent's car which collided with another vehicle on Boxing Day.
Witnesses pulled the young women from the wreckage as the vehicles were engulfed in flames, but her parents died instantly. The man in the second car, Craig Whitall, also died.
Annabelle was still fighting for life in Liverpool Hospital on Thursday evening while Jessica is in a critical condition in St George Hospital.
Mr Whitall's devastated family released a touching statement referencing both families.
"Our hearts are broken not only for our loss but also for the loss the Falkholt family are feeling," they said.
The sisters have become the faces of a horrific and rising road toll that police hope will leave other drivers shocked.
This morning another family were left broken after a woman died when her van collided with a heavy vehicle in Gunning.
Police say poor driving habits and fatigue have been the most common causes of deaths on our roads this year.
Passenger fatalities are up about 50 per cent up from last year which police say indicates some are travelling without a seatbelt on.
"If you have a family in the car the last thing we want to see is another family devastated this Christmas," Assistant Commandant Michael Corboy said.
