Strathmerton: Debbie Markey identified as killed in crash that claimed four others at NSW-Vic border
First horror crash victim is revealed as a beloved mother – as more details emerge about the raid that left four foreign workers dead when their ute flew into a B-double truck
- Debbie Markey, 62, identified as one of five killed
- Died in a car accident along with four international workers
One of the five people killed in a tragic car accident has been identified as a widowed mother who was driving four international workers she sheltered, who also died.
The 62-year-old woman, Debbie Markey, was one of five killed after a Mercedes driven by Christopher Dylan Joannides, 29, reportedly hit a Nissan Navara ute, sending it into the path of a B-double truck near Strathmerton ended up. just south of the Victoria/NSW border, around 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
Mrs. Markey’s son, Daniel Montero, remembered her as “the life of the party” and someone who constantly supported her community.
Joannides was charged with five counts of dangerous driving resulting in death after admitting to being the driver of the white Mercedes sedan during an interview with police.
Debbie Markey (pictured), 62, a mother and widow, has been identified as one of five killed instantly in the Strathmerton crash Thursday near the NSW border
Mr. Montero told the Herald Sun that he would remember his mother as “a ridiculously fun and energetic person” and a “very proud mother and a great cook.”
“She had time for everyone and she was way too forgiving,” said Mr. Montero.
Mrs Markey was widowed after the death of her husband, Robert, from lung and brain cancer in 2007.
“Her life hasn’t been easy, but she really found her purpose in taking care of these strangers,” Montero said.
“She was the lifeblood of the party at every event and a hard-working member of the community.”
The four international workers, all aged between 23 and 30, died instantly next to Ms Markey in a collision with the truck.
Her son, Daniel Moreton (pictured, right), described his mother as ‘the life of the party’ and a ‘very proud mother and a great cook’
The crash was reportedly caused by Dylan Joannides, 29, who allegedly failed to stop at a give way sign, hitting Ms Markey’s car and diverting them into a path of a B-double truck
According to court documents, 29-year-old Joannides was pulled over just 2 km from the crash site after being caught speeding 118 km/h in a 100 km/h zone.
Police will allege that after exiting the traffic stop, Joannides ran through a give way sign at the Labuan Road and Murray Valley Hwy intersection.
He allegedly told officers that he had smoked cannabis “a day or more ago” and gave a positive result for cannabis on a preliminary “lick stick” saliva test.
Joannides was granted bail under strict conditions, including being unable to drive.
He is due to appear in court on September 19.