A source who crashed in the early hours of the morning, killing four people, was chased after a drug deal went wrong, a source has claimed.
James Doherty, 41, Benjamin Watego, 47, and Sophie-Lee Fullagar, 24, all died at the scene, along with another passenger, when their Mazda BT-50 ute left the road in Wardell, near Ballina in the north of New South Wales, on February 24.
A passing motorist discovered the mangled wreckage on Back Channel Road around 5:45 a.m. and called emergency services.
A source close to the victims claims that Mr Doherty – who previously dated Ms Fullagar, was a known drug dealer in the Bryon area – and another car chased the car to rob him.
“I know who they are after, but I don’t want to say because I don’t want to be involved in the drama,” the source told Daily Mail Australia.
“He had drugs and cash on him.”
Sophie-Lee Fullagar (pictured) was one of four people killed in the Wardell crash
A source close to the victims claims that Mr Doherty (pictured) – who previously dated Ms Fullagar, was a known drug dealer in the Bryon area – and that another car chased the woman to rob him.
Once the vehicle flipped and hit a tree, the source claims the other car sped away.
“I think the other car saw what happened, but they drove away.
“They would never stop after a crash like that, especially if they were chasing them.”
When Daily Mail Australia asked NSW Police whether it is investigating a second party involved in the crash, a spokesperson said: “The matter is being investigated by detectives and a brief of evidence is being prepared for the coroner.”
An outpouring of grief follows for the three identified victims.
A friend of Mr Watego wrote: ‘My brother, I will miss you very much.
“You were by my side through the good, the bad and the lows.
Benjamin Watego (photo) was one of the victims of the crash on February 24
The crashed Mazda BT-50 is pictured on the back of a tow truck
‘Love you. Fly high, my brother, and I’ll see you when we get there. You’d better wait with a rum.’
A friend of Mr Doherty wrote: ‘Rip Jim Bob. I love you buddy.
“Fly high until we meet again for a cold one.”
Mrs Fullagar is remembered for her ‘good heart’ and ‘beautiful singing voice’.
“Rest in paradise beautiful girl, absolutely heartbreaking,” a friend wrote.
Another said: ‘This is actually devastating! Always played and hung out with Sophie when we were in primary school together!’
‘This is devastating. I express my deepest condolences.
A friend of Ms Fullagar’s family has one GoFundMe to help support her loved ones as they grieve.
Ms Fullagar (pictured) is known for her ‘good heart’ and ‘beautiful singing voice’
‘We are reaching out to the community for financial support to help Sophie-Lee’s family at this terrible time. Any help is greatly appreciated,” it said.
‘Sophie had the sweetest character, the biggest heart and was so strong. She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. Her smile and laugh were infectious.
“Her family, friends and the surrounding community are suffering the consequences of such a terrible loss.”
More than $6,300 was raised from 81 donors.