'Happy older couple' in horror crash after winning car in raffle
A woman is dead and her husband is fighting for life after a car crash involving a vehicle they had won in a raffle.
Trish McCaullife, 78, and husband Mike, 76, from Renmark in South Australia’s Riverland region, were involved in a crash on the Sturt Highway between Waikerie and Kingston on Murray on Wednesday about 2pm.
It’s alleged the driver of a Ford crossed onto the wrong side of the road and crashed head-on into the couple’s Mazda.
Mr McCaullife was airlifted to hospital in Adelaide, where he remains in an induced coma.
His wife died at the scene, as did their dog Jack.
The couple’s Mazda was a car they had won in the local raffle.
Locals said the McCauliffes were inseparable. Friend Jack Gibb said the couple “loved the Riverland and loved the Riverland life”.
“It’s sad, really,” Mr Gibb said.”I just hope Mike pulls through.”
Neighbour Kevin Cullingford said they were “just a happy older couple”.
On Wednesday, they were driving to Adelaide to drop their pets to relatives before a trip to Dubbo.
Ms McCaullife’s niece, Barbara Haley, said the family was heartbroken.
“There are no words to describe the devastation our family are feeling,” Ms Haley wrote on Facebook.
“Aunty Trish, I love you so very much, I know you are back with your beloved children.”
The driver of the Ford, a 69-year-old man, was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious harm by dangerous driving.
The passenger in the Ford, a 66-year-old woman, also suffered serious injuries.
The driver of the Ford was bailed to appear in the Berri Magistrates Court on 14 November.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have seen either vehicle prior to the collision is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.
