Mourning the Loss: Identification of Community Members as Victims of Hunter Wedding Bus Crash

Victims of Hunter Valley Wedding Bus Crash Identified as Community Mourns

Following the Hunter Valley wedding bus crash on Sunday night, ten people have been confirmed dead, and multiple others remain in hospital. NSW Police family liaison officers are still speaking to the families and victims of the crash. However, formal identification of those who remain unaccounted for may take several days. In this article, we discuss the victims who have been identified so far. We warn our readers that the article contains images of the deceased.

Who Are the Identified Victims of the Tragedy?

Rebecca Mullen, a junior medical officer in the Hunter New England Local Health District, was confirmed as one of the ten people who died in the crash. Mullen was based at Calvary Mater Hospital after graduating from the University of Newcastle in 2021. Health Minister Ryan Park paid tribute to Mullen and her family, praising the paramedics’ heroic efforts who attended the scene.

Darcy Bulman, a former KPMG colleague working for the Australian Securities and Investments (ASIC), was also involved in the incident. Bullman’s former employer expressed condolence for her family, describing her as “a very capable professional and a wonderful colleague”.

Nadene and Kyah McBride, a Singleton-based mum and daughter, are also among those unaccounted for. Members of the Singleton Roosters AFL team, both played for the Roosterettes, the club’s women’s squad. The family, which has Indigenous heritage, granted permission for images of the duo to be used.

Andrew and Lynan Scott were also victims of the tragedy. This married couple played for the Singleton Roosters, and Andrew reached the 100-game milestone last year.

Moreover, Tori Cowburn, Lynan’s fellow Roosterette, who played alongside her as a Hunter regional representative, is also unaccounted for after the crash.

Other victims of the crash include Kane Symons, “Superman,” an amazing athlete who competed at the highest level and Zachary Bray, a bowel cancer survivor, and an ambassador with The Gut Foundation. Angus Craig, a Queenslander, was also named.

Sydney Swans Extend Deepest Condolences to the Family and Friends of Victims

The Sydney Swans extended their condolences to the families and friends of those affected by the tragic events. Many of those involved are connected to the Singleton AFL club, and therefore, the wider Swans community. The Sydney Swans AFL side will wear black armbands when they take to the field this week in memory of the victims. Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley expressed the club’s deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

A Community in Mourning

Many in the local community are in mourning, shocked and saddened by the tragic accident. The Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club issued a statement expressing their sadness and condolence to the family of Kane Symons. Moreover, the Hunter region and wider footballing communities have rallied together, offering messages of condolence and support via online tributes.

Editorial: A Tragic Loss for Australia

The Hunter Valley wedding bus crash is a tragic loss of lives. The victims were our neighbours, friends, colleagues, and family. Losing them is a painful reminder of how fragile and unpredictable life can be. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time.

Conclusion

The identification of victims of the Hunter Valley wedding bus crash is an essential step for their loved ones to begin coping with a tragedy. Our hearts go out to their families and friends. We hope that the authorities can provide more details about the investigation in due course to help prevent such accidents from happening in the future.