EMOTIONAL tributes are flowing for a young Mount Gambier man who was tragically killed in a car crash at Moorak on Monday night.
Daniel Pearson, 25, has been remembered as a quiet young person who was loved by his family and friends.
The former Mount Gambier High School student died when the car he was driving struck a tree on Carpenter Rocks Road, near McNamara Park Road, just before 6.45pm.
According to Limestone Coast Police, Daniel sadly died at the scene despite desperate efforts by paramedics to save him.
Family and friends yesterday paid tribute on social media to Daniel, who had studied law at university.
“He was very much loved – Daniel will always be remembered by us all,” a family member told The Border Watch yesterday.
“Daniel will be forever in our hearts and thoughts – he has been taken too soon.”
Daniel was described as a quiet young person, who loved playing darts.
Limestone Coast Police officer-in-charge Superintendent Grant Moyle yesterday extended his sincere condolences to Daniel’s family.
“This is a tragic loss for his family, they face the most difficult of times and their lives have no doubt been changed forever,” Supt Moyle said.
The highly ranked police official said it was also a tragic loss to the whole community.
“This is a terrible thing to happen to a family and sadly it is not an infrequent occurrence in this area,” Supt Moyle said.
“I urge everyone to take care on the roads and drive safely.
“Obey the signed speed limits.
“They are a limit, not a target.
“Importantly in this region, drive to the conditions.”
The superintendent also urged motorists to slow down and arrive at their destination safely.
“If you are tired, take a break, if you have been drinking alcohol or have consumed illicit drugs, just don’t drive, and when driving don’t get distracted,” Supt Moyle said.
With the countdown to Christmas already under way, he made a special plea for drivers to take particular care on the road network.
“Emergency service personnel see the tragic results of road crashes all too frequently, we see the impact road crashes have on all involved, the impact on individuals and their families,” Supt Moyle said.
“We will be unrepentant in policing of the road rules and promoting road safety – please take care when travelling on our roads.”
Police investigators from the Major Crash Unit are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Moorak crash.
It is understood State Emergency Service (SES) personnel were on the scene for more than eight hours.
The junction of Carpenter Rocks Road and McNamara Park Road was closed while investigators examined the scene on Monday night.
The fatal accident takes the state’s road toll to 83, compared to 70 at the same time last year.
