The driver involved in the fatal car crash which has a Home and Away actress fighting for her life has been identified as a known drug user with prior driving offences.
Craig Anthony Whitall, 50, had reportedly been charged with more than 60 offences by police before his death in the tragic accident which also claimed the lives of Lars Falkholt, 69, and his wife Vivian, 60.
The horrific smash on Princes Highway near Sussex Inlet in New South Wales also left actress Jessica Falkholt, 28, and her sister Annabelle, 21, in hospital fighting for their lives.
Mr Whitall had previously been jailed for driving while disqualified and was driving on P-plates, reported the Daily Telegraph.
He was driving home from a methadone clinic, a drug used to curb withdrawal symptoms for heroin addicts, at the time of the accident, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
It is not illegal to drive with methadone in your system but if a substance is proven to have impaired someone’s driving, they can be charged.
An autopsy may fail to determine if any drugs were in Mr Whitall’s system due to his severe injuries and subsequent fire.
His son Shane paid an emotional tribute to his father on social media.
“I love you with all my heart dad and will forever miss you,” he wrote.
“You were my hero I don’t give a f-k what anyone says you showed me a lot in my life more than you’ll ever know.
“It’s such a tragedy to lose you I love you Dad RIP.”
Speaking to reporters on Boxing Day after the collision, Highway Patrol Chief Inspector Phil Brooks confirmed the sisters are “very much in a critical condition at this time.”
“This Christmas and New Year period is meant to be a time of happiness and to spend time with family and sadly for many, this has resulted in tragedy,” he continued.
“Out of these 21 deaths, 11 road users have been involved in matters where their vehicles have simply left the road and crashed into a telegraph pole or a tree.
“There are more cars on our roads and sadly, personal responsibility is lacking many road users. The impact of road trauma is significant.”
