Hunter Valley mourns as victims of fatal wedding bus crash identified

Community mourns as victims of Hunter Valley wedding bus crash are identified

The Hunter Valley in New South Wales is mourning the loss of its residents after a tragic bus crash resulted in the death of ten passengers. The accident occurred on Sunday night when a bus carrying wedding guests overturned near Greta. The driver, Brett Button, has been charged and released on bail while the police continue their investigation into the tragedy.

Formal identification yet to be completed

The names of those who died in the crash have been released, but formal identification procedures may take several days. The police have announced that family liaison officers will continue to communicate with the families of the victims who were involved in the incident.

Victims of the crash

The deceased have been identified as Darcy Bulman, Rebecca Mullen, Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Tori Cowburn, Angus Craig, Zachary Bray, and Kane Symons.

Rebecca Mullen, a junior doctor at Calvary Mater Hospital of Hunter New England Local Health District, was among the ten people who lost their lives in the accident. Health Minister Ryan Park paid tribute to her, stating that it was a sad day for NSW Health to lose the life of a team member.

Nadene and Kyah McBride were a mother-daughter duo who were part of the Singleton Roosters football club. Tributes have poured in from their community, with the Sydney Women’s AFL Masters Facebook page posting a heartfelt message, describing them as irreplaceable.

Andrew and Lynan Scott were also known members of the Singleton Roosters football club. Andrew had reached the milestone of 100-games last year, and his teammates described him as one of the best players they had ever played with.

Zachary Bray, a bowel cancer survivor and an ambassador with The Gut Foundation, was also among the victims. Meanwhile, Kane Symons, who is fondly referred to as ‘Superman,’ was a great athlete and a leader. The Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club, where he was a member, has issued a statement on behalf of his family.

Community reactions

The community is mourning their loss, showing grief and supporting the families of those who died in the crash. AFL side Sydney Swans is showing their support by wearing black armbands in memory of the victims in their next game.

The wider public is urged to respect the family’s privacy, especially the ones who have Indigenous heritage and have agreed to use photographs of the deceased. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the families affected by this unfortunate incident.