Search

Grandmother's plea after tragic fatal school excursion

A 13-year-old girl from New Zealand has tragically died after sustaining an “unsurvivable head injury” during a school excursion to an ice skating rink. Kymani was rushed from Alpine Ice Sports Centre to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition on Tuesday morning, after falling while skating with her classmates. Following her sudden death, the young girl's grandmother created an online <a href="https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ice-skating-school-trip-unexpected-tragedy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fundraiser</a>, where she explained, “Sadly while on a school excursion Kymani fell, sustaining an unsurvivable head injury.” “This is a parent’s worst nightmare — sending your child to school and to never return home,” Kymani’s family said. “Her parents, brothers, sisters and whanau are devastated. Kymani was a beautiful girl, only 13 years old." “As this is an unexpected tragedy, any funds would be gratefully appreciated and will go towards preparing for what comes next.” "Aroha nui Hiley-Hetaraka whanau (Much love to the Hiley-Hethara family)." The skating rink was closed on Tuesday, as spokesperson said the staff’s “thoughts are with the family at this time”. The Ministry of Education also released a statement, which read, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news and our thoughts are with the family and school community. Our traumatic incident team is available to support the school for as long as needed.” WorkSafe NZ is looking into the incident. Image credits: givealittle.co.nz

Caring

“This is the guy”: Shocking new footage of Trump shooting released

New footage has emerged from the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, as investigations continue into the shooting. Graphic new bodycam footage has shown local authorities speaking to a Secret Service agent after the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was gunned down at a Trump rally. The footage shows the moment authorities climbed onto the roof where Crooks was positioned, and captures the moment police identify the shooter as a suspicious person. One man, who appears to be a Secret Service agent, tells a Beaver County Emergency Services Unit (ESU) officer that Crooks’ body appeared to be the person who was previously reported to them for suspicious activity. “So this is the guy,” the agent says, as the Beaver County ESU officer replies, “This is him.” The ESU officer also says a police sniper took photos of Crooks, including of him on a bicycle, according to the footage. “That’s the sniper that sent the original picture and seen him come from the bike and set the book bag down and then lost sight of him,” the officer tells the apparent Secret Service agent. Crooks’ gunfire grazed Mr Trump’s ear and hit three rally-goers, killing 50-year-old volunteer firefighter and married father-of-two <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hero-victim-identified-at-trump-rally-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corey Comperatore</a>, before the gunman was quickly shot and killed by a Secret Service agent. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley a Republican, called on the Secret Service to release more information to the public about the attempted assassination as the federal law enforcement agency faces fierce criticism over security failures at the rally. “Federal agencies, particularly the Secret Service, have failed to be transparent with the American people,” Mr Grassley said in a statement. “This assassination attempt is a matter of substantial public interest, and the public’s business ought to be public.” Image credits: Beaver County ESU / Bethel Park School District

Legal

Elon Musk tops donations as millions raised for Trump shooting victims

In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, a groundswell of support has emerged from celebrities, business leaders, Republican Party notables and countless regular Americans for those affected by the event that left Trump injured, one man dead, and two others in critical condition. A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/president-trump-seeks-support-for-butler-pa-victims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe campaign</a>, initiated by Trump's top finance person, Meredith O'Rourke of Tallahassee, initially set a goal of $1 million. However, by Monday morning, donations had already far surpassed this target. As of Monday evening, the online fundraiser had amassed over $4.6 million from more than 60,000 donations. Prominent figures have made substantial contributions, with tech mogul Elon Musk donating $100,000 in two instalments late on Monday, while the Ultimate Fighting Championship and its president, Dana White, each contributed $50,000. Meredith O'Rourke, the organiser of the fundraiser, said that the collected funds would support the victims and their families, aiding in recovery and providing assistance to those in mourning. "This is about coming together as a community to help those who have suffered from this senseless act of violence," O'Rourke stated. Among the victims is volunteer fire chief <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hero-victim-identified-at-trump-rally-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corey Comperatore</a>, aged 50, who was praised by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as a hero who shielded his wife and daughter during the shooting. Two other individuals remain in critical condition as they recover from their injuries. Here are some of the notable donors who have contributed to the "Butler PA Victims GoFundMe" campaign: Elon Musk: $100,000. The Tesla CEO, X (formerly Twitter) owner, and SpaceX founder, now a Texas resident, has a significant presence in Florida due to regular launches from Cape Canaveral. Kenneth C. Griffin: $100,000. The founder and CEO of multinational hedge fund Citadel LLC, Griffin, is a Daytona Beach native who maintains a home in Miami. Governor Rick & Ann Scott: $50,000. Rick Scott, the former governor of Florida, has been serving as a U.S. senator from Florida since 2019. Kid Rock: $50,000. Versatile musician and entertainer Kid Rock is renowned for blending rock, hip-hop, and country genres, delivering energetic performances and chart-topping hits over a career spanning more than two decades. Image: GoFundMe

Money & Banking

"Hero" victim identified at Trump rally shooting

A former Pennsylvania volunteer fire chief has been named as the man who got caught in the crossfire of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a campaign rally. While Trump was delivering a speech to supporters in a small town in the state of Pennsylvania, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was stationed on a rooftop near the event armed with a sniper. Crooks fired multiple rounds on the former president and spectators, missing Trump, before he was ultimately killed by a Secret Service sniper. Caught up in the crossfire was 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, who died at the rally while trying to protect his daughter from the shooting. Comperatore's sister Dawn Comperatore Schafer took to Facebook to pay tribute to her brother and praise his heroism in his final moments. “The hatred for one man took the life of the one man we loved the most. He was a hero that shielded his daughters,” she wrote on Facebook. “His wife and girls just lived through the unthinkable and unimaginable,” she added. Comperatore’s wife, Helen, said her husband was as a “real-life superhero” who protected them. “Yesterday, what [was meant to] be such an exciting day for my husband, especially, turned into a nightmare for our family,” Helen wrote on Facebook. “What my precious girls had to witness is unforgivable,” she added. “He died the hero he always was.” Comperatore’s daughter, Allyson, echoed her statement, calling her father “the best dad a girl could ever ask for” as she mourned his sudden death. Allyson said that when the gunshots rang out, Comperatore quickly threw her and her mother to the ground to try to protect them after Trump was shot. “He truly loved us enough to take a real bullet for us,” Allyson wrote on Facebook. “And I want nothing more than to cry on him and tell him thank you.” Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also hailed Comperatore, who was an avid Trump supporter, as a local hero and has ordered flags to be flown half staff in his honour. “Corey died a hero,” Shapiro said. “Corey was the very best of us.” A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-allyson-after-tragic-loss??fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1AbXfAyX9lw5cZpb1v3op6jM42CFcYObgctlnjT0JokJZAkCMzXjREWkU_aem_e473Brl2b31I68lZxNcpIg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page to support Helen and Allyson has already raised more than $890,000. Image credits: GoFundMe/Xinhua News Agency/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Tragic moment mother returns to scene of fatal house fire

In a heartbreaking moment, Stacey Gammage, 29, has returned to her devastated home in Lalor Park for the first time since the tragic fire that claimed the lives of three of her children. The fire, allegedly <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/dean-heasman-s-grandmother-breaks-silence-after-deadly-house-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">started by her partner, Dean Heasman</a>, 28, left the family reeling with loss and sorrow. On Sunday, shortly before 1am, Heasman allegedly set the family’s home ablaze and barricaded them inside. Two boys, aged two and six, were critically injured and later died at Westmead Hospital. The body of a five-month-old girl was also found by firefighters after extinguishing the flames. Returning on Tuesday afternoon, Stacey Gammage, still wearing her hospital wristband, was supported by family members and police as she read the numerous tributes and cards left outside the home. The street was closed for almost two hours to allow her to grieve privately. The devastated mother then returned to Westmead Hospital, where her four surviving children remain. The children, including a nine-year-old girl and three boys aged four, seven and 11, are all reported to be in stable condition. Heasman remains under police guard in an induced coma at Westmead Hospital, and no charges have yet been filed. Investigations continue under Strike Force Carrbridge. According to reports, Heasman allegedly threw a burning pillow at his wife, which contributed to the blaze. Investigators are also examining whether an accelerant was used, as a second explosion occurred moments after the initial fire began. Local hero Jarrod Hawkins, whose daughter is friends with one of the surviving children, rushed to the burning home and saved the nine-year-old girl and her three brothers. The eldest boy reportedly told his rescuers, "Dad tried to kill me." As the community mourns this unimaginable loss, they continue to leave floral tributes, stuffed toys, and candles at the scene, while detectives work tirelessly to uncover the full details of the tragedy. Image: Nine News

Caring

Elderly driver hailed a hero amid fatal bus tragedy

An elderly driver has been hailed a hero for saving lives after getting caught up in a horror crash between a Greyhound bus and a car towing a caravan. The accident left three women dead and 27 other passengers injured, after the coach allegedly veered onto the opposite side of the Bruce Highway at Gumlu, in north Queensland at around 11am on Sunday. The coach was travelling between Brisbane and Townsville, with 33 people onboard when it collided with a caravan towed by a 4WD. The elderly couple, who were in the 4WD were miraculously not injured. Witnesses have praised the elderly male driver for his quick-thinking skills, when he drove his vehicle out of the way of the oncoming bus - which saved the lives of people driving behind him. "He was a hero for his actions," Janice Beavis told the Daily Mail. “They [the elderly couple] were behaving safely. The bus hit the van, the driver [of the 4WD] was trying to get away. “He saved himself and his wife and the mum and three girls travelling behind him.” 56-year-old Townsville woman, Emma ‘Alli’ Sailor, and two German women aged in their 20s and 30s sadly passed away in the crash. Four people remain in hospital, including two men in their 20s who are fighting for their lives, and two other men, aged 27 and 51, who are in stable conditions. The bus was reportedly running behind schedule, leaving Rockhampton at 2am instead of the planned departure time at 12:45. The speed limit at the section of the highway where the accident occurred was 100km/h. Detectives are investigating whether fatigue could have played a role in the crash. “We haven’t determined any factors that have contributed to the crash at this stage, but certainly a crash of this nature, involving this many people, is a very significant, very tragic incident for us,” Police Superintendent Graeme Paine said at a press conference on Sunday. Anyone who may have seen the crash or have dashcam footage have been urged to contact police. On Monday morning, Police Superintendent Paine said that more witnesses will be interviewed to determine the cause of the crash. “We’ve collected a significant amount of evidence from the scene,” he said. “As we process that evidence and interview further witnesses, we anticipate getting a clearer picture of exactly how it occurred." Image: news.com.au

Travel Trouble

“These are people’s lives”: Calls for gambling reform after fatal cruise ship plunge

The shocking death of a 50-year-old father who went overboard on a P&O Cruise has caused widespread outrage, with many questioning who is to blame for his untimely passing. Shane Dixon had racked up $5,000 of gambling debt while onboard the Elvis-themed voyage, which his mother, who was also travelling with him, helped him to repay. The next day, Dixon went back to the cruise ship's casino where he racked up another $4,000 in debt, before he plunged to his death while the vessel was on its way into Sydney Harbour. While questions have arisen about the circumstances surrounding his death, the CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform Carol Bennett said the cruise ship operator had failed to provide Shane with an adequate duty of care, and encouraged him to keep gambling. "It's really concerning that when a ship sails 12 nautical miles off the coast it can then allow anything and everything to happen," she told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13414919/Anti-gambling-Shane-Dixon-cruise-ship-casino.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>. "The rules that might apply on land no longer seem to apply and yet you would expect this cruise line would have some kind of duty of care to ensure that people are not plied with inducements, promotions and advertisements that are pushing them to gamble to extremely harmful levels." "It is just beyond belief that there is not an expectation that when a cruise ship leaves a dock that the rules of that jurisdiction apply." "But clearly that's not the case and we leave it all in the hands of the cruise line operator who may or may not apply the responsible service of gambling." Ms Bennett said it was "fundamental" that gamblers were able to set spend limits, self-exclude themselves and be in an environment free of inducements: all of which are required by law when it comes to casinos on Australian soil. "This is just basic harm reduction that any provider or organisation that is providing gambling services should be complying with," she said. "And if they're not, we need to really seriously think about what governments need to do to address this problem because you do wonder how widespread this is. This could be just the tip of the iceberg." Ms Bennett said Australia loses an estimated $25billion on legal forms of gambling each year, with the consequences spreading far beyond the impact on the economy. "It leads to everything from domestic and family violence to health and mental health issues, anxiety, depression, financial distress, right through to suicide," she said. "It is a huge and to some degree hidden problem in Australia, which is why we need stronger enforcement of safeguards and guardrails around gambling that don't see people led into a situation where they see no other way out but suicide." "These are peoples lives. For every person who gambles, there are six people around them who are going to be directly impacted." Labor backbencher Graham Perrett said the British cruise line most likely operated under the UK's gambling laws. "My understanding is that the UK gambling laws are not dissimilar to ours in terms of marketing and advertising," he said. "It's not just a gambling free-for-all, even if they are outside our territorial seas they still have to follow the laws of the UK." Image credits: Facebook / Shutterstock

Cruising

Police fatally shoot armed 16-year-old after Bunnings carpark stabbing

A 16-year-old boy has been shot dead by police after he stabbed a man in the carpark of a Bunnings Warehouse on Saturday night. WA Police were called to the hardware store in south Perth, which was closed at the time of the incident, after they received a call from the teen saying he was going to commit acts of violence. A second emergency call was then made a short time later after the teenager stabbed a man in the carpark, in what appears to be a random attack. Police Commissioner Col Blanch said when they arrived on the scene, they found a 16-year-old armed with a large kitchen knife. Commissioner Blanch said the boy lunged at officers with the knife and was shot, and died a short time later in hospital. The man who was stabbed, who is in his 30s, is recovering in hospital and is believed to be in a serious but stable condition. The police commissioner and WA Premier Roger Cook held a press conference on Sunday morning and described the incident as "extremely confronting". They said the boy was "running around a car park, armed with a knife" when police arrived. "They [WA police] exited their vehicle and were confronted with a male alone with a large kitchen knife," Commissioner Blanch said. "Two officers drew their tasers and one of the officers drew his firearm. They challenged the male to put down the knife, which he did not." Mr Cook said there were indications the boy had been radicalised online, saying at the press conference, "I want to reassure the community at this stage it appears that he acted solely and alone." "Members of the WA Muslim community, who were concerned by his behaviour, contacted police prior to the incident and I thank them for their help." It was also said the boy's family was cooperating with police. Commissioner Blanch said the incident was not being labelled as a terrorist attack at this stage. "It certainly has the hallmarks of one [but] the reason why I would declare it as a terrorist act going forward — it's about timing," Commissioner Blanch said. "That's something that we can work towards as we find out more information from the motivations behind this." Image credits: ABC / Shutterstock

Legal

Best friends on the way to a wedding identified in fatal crash

The best friends who were on their way to a wedding when they were struck in a fatal crash in Brisbane have been identified. Lily Galbraith, 24, and Emma McLean, 23, were travelling in a silver sedan through the Legacy Way tunnel on Wednesday at 3pm when they were hit by a black Audi. Ms Galbraith, a South Australian nurse who was originally from the Northern Territory, died in the crash, while Ms McLean is still fighting for her life in hospital after suffering critical injuries. The driver of the Audi, who also died in the crash, has been identified as former police officer Bruce Daley. After the Audi collided with the sedan, police believe the impact of the crash then pushed the sedan into a small truck, causing serious injuries to the driver of the truck. Mr Daley, who was medically retired from the Queensland Police Service in December 2014, had posted online about relationship struggles and loneliness over several years. Inspector Hansel said speed would be a “focus” of the investigation, with claims the Audi hit speeds of up to 200km/h before the crash. The Nurses and Midwives Memorial Page Australia paid tribute to Ms Galbraith on Thursday. “Rest in peace, Lily. Thank you for your service. Condolences to your family, friends and colleagues,” the post read. “All the very best for Emma and sending love to her family as they wait to see how her progress is. We are also thinking of the bride, groom and any wedding guests also mourning.” Image credits: Instagram / Facebook

Caring

Awful new details emerge after man's fatal fall from hot air balloon

Warning: Disturbing details New details have emerged of the moments before a man tragically fell to his death from a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/man-dies-after-falling-from-hot-air-balloon-over-melbourne" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hot air balloon</a>. The man was one of ten people onboard the hot air balloon ride, which took off at around 7am on Monday. A video obtained by 7News, shows the man, dressed in a brown jumper, taking in the view over the city alongside other guests. Witnesses have also reported that the man looked fine and was even chatting with the ride operator about politics as the balloon launched into the air. As the ride reached around 450metres, just ten minutes later, with no warning whatsoever he shockingly exited the basket in what was reported to be an act of self-harm and plunged to his death. The pilot immediately made a distressed may day call as horrified passengers and motorists witnessed him fall through the air. Passengers onboard another hot air balloon, which was launched at the same time, recalled hearing the distress calls over the radio approximately 15 minutes into their ride. Not long after emergency services arrived at the horrifying scene in Albert Street, Preston in the city's north-east, where his body was found in a front yard. One witness recalled the incident and told the Today show: "My brother heard like a loud bang, almost like something like a large item falling in your house. And it wasn’t until we heard all the sirens that we came out." Passengers onboard the hot air balloon have been offered counselling by the operator, with officers currently preparing a report for the coroner. Images: 7News/ Daily Mail

Legal

Verdict delivered over fatal Rust shooting

The armourer on the set of the film Rust has been charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Halyna Hutchins, who was 42 and a mother to a young son, died after being fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western movie in October 2021. Baldwin has repeatedly denied responsibility, insisting he did not pull the trigger. Now, armourer Hannah Gutierrez has been found guilty, with the jury hearing that Gutierrez, 26, had been ultimately responsible for the use of live rounds on set. Over a 10-day trial in New Mexico, the court heard how she had repeatedly failed to adhere to basic safety rules by leaving guns unattended on set, and allowing actors — including Baldwin — to wave the weapons around. “This is not a case where Hannah Gutierrez made one mistake and that one mistake was accidentally putting a live round into that gun,” prosecutor Kari Morrissey told the jury in her closing argument Wednesday. “This case is about constant, never-ending safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being and nearly killed another.” The judge remanded her in custody ahead of her sentencing, which is not expected before next month, as she faces up to 18 months’ prison. Despite Baldwin long claiming his innocence over the shooting, ballistics experts have dismissed the claim, saying the gun could not have discharged any other way. His own involuntary manslaughter trial is expected in July. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Heroic fan tackles deadly shooter at victory parade

Three people have been taken into custody after a deadly shooting at a Super Bowl victory parade, where one person has died. At least 21 people have suffered injuries, nine of which being children, at the parade in Kansas City, following the Kansas Chiefs victory over the San Francisco 49ers. As one of the shooters opened fire in the crowd, one heroic football fan was captured on video tackling the gunman to the ground. The video also shows panicked crowds fleeing the sounds of the gunfire, as police ran towards the commotion. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves confirmed in a second update to media that one person had died after 22 people had been shot. “We have three persons detained and under investigation,” she said. “We are working to determine if one of the three is the one that was in that video where fans assisted police.” She added that “right now we do not have a motive, but we are asking those who may potentially have any kind of information, a witness or video, to contact police”. At an earlier briefing, Ms Graves said she was “angry at what happened today”. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said, “The celebration was marred by a shooting. This is absolutely a tragedy.” Witness Kade Collins, who attending the parade with his dad, described the ordeal to local news station Fox 4 KC. “We heard 10 to 12 gunshots, but we thought they were fireworks, so we didn’t really panic at first or get too worked up. But then everyone started screaming and took off running,” Mr Collins said. Mr Collins said his dad saw police tackle a suspect after the crowd saw the gunman. “When we were walking out, there was someone pointing and saying, ‘He’s right there, he’s right there’, and police ran to the guy the crowd was pointing at and tackled him and put him in handcuffs,” he said. “Everyone took off running and screaming.” The Kansas City Chiefs said in a statement that all players, coaches, staff and their families were “safe and accounted for”, while sharing their condolences for those who were impacted by the shooting. “We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally,” the team said. "Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City ... We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on-scene to assist.” Image credits: Getty Images <p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-size: 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">

Caring

Grandmother fatally stabbed in front of granddaughter

On Saturday evening, the Town Square Redbank Plains underground carpark became the scene of a horrifying crime as Vyleen White, a 70-year-old grandmother, lost her life in a brutal stabbing, leaving the community in shock and mourning. The heart-wrenching incident occurred as White was returning to her car with her groceries and her six-year-old granddaughter. The young girl, traumatised by the violence she witnessed, ran up the escalator screaming and crying for help, as the assailants callously stole White's vehicle. Local resident and off-duty doctor Ademola Afolabi responded to the cries for help but tragically arrived too late. He recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “For a little girl to witness that is painful, she won’t forget that.” The shocking nature of this crime has prompted a major manhunt for the alleged perpetrators. Police have released CCTV footage showing four persons of interest, believed to be a mix of adult and juvenile males of African appearance, arriving at a house in the stolen vehicle before abandoning it at nearby Springfield Lakes. The investigation is still in its early stages, but it is suspected that the stabbing was a result of a robbery that escalated into a violent crime. White's daughter, Danice White, expressed the family's grief and frustration. “We want justice,” she said. “There should be a police beat at every shopping centre and a police presence, or even a guard dog on site in the police beat. If we can’t feel safe walking around, there’s a problem.” The tragic loss of Vyleen White, remembered as a thoughtful woman with a strong Christian faith, has left her family and friends devastated. Her daughter described her mother's compassion, saying, “She was always praying for people, that’s why I am still around.” As the community mourns the loss of a beloved grandmother, there is an urgent call for action. Queensland Premier Steven Miles has acknowledged the abhorrent nature of the crime and assured that the police are working tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrator. Images: Facebook / Queensland Police

Caring

Major update in fatal stabbing of young Melbourne doctor

The 16-year-old accused of stabbing a young Melbourne doctor to death had allegedly committed a similar crime just months prior. The teenager was allegedly involved in the home invasion of Dr Ash Gordon, which turned fatal after the doctor chased the intruders from his home, ending when Dr Gordon was stabbed and left for dead. As the teens now <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/major-update-in-tragic-death-of-young-melbourne-doctor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">face charges</a> for his death, an alleged previous victim of the same teenager has come forward, claiming the young man left him with serious head injuries after robbing his house in October. His alleged previous victims claim that the Victorian government has “blood on its hands” and that the boy should not have been released on bail. The victims told<a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/we-feel-anxious-helpless-and-frustrated-with-the-broken-system-alleged-victims-speak-out/news-story/c05575a0908bf85f014217bb4fda7fa4"> the Herald Sun</a> that Dr Gordon's death has left them traumatised and struggling to move on from their own terrifying encounter. In an emotional statement, the alleged previous victims pleaded with Victorian premier Jacinta Allan to reconsider the state's planned youth justice reform. “We are trying to move on with our lives, however, when a case on (alleged) teen crime is reported, we feel anxious, helpless and frustrated with the broken system," they told the publication. “The Allan government and the justice system have blood on their hands, and ultimately should be held accountable.” Under the terms of the 16-year-old’s bail, he was to adhere to a strict nightly curfew, but still managed to allegedly break into Dr Gordon's home shortly before 5:30am on January 13th. Ms Allan has faced increasing pressure to abandon Victoria's overhaul of the youth justice system which would see the age of criminal responsibility raised. The government has committed to raising the age that a child can be arrested, jailed or charged from 10 to 12 by the end of 2024, and again to 14 by 2027, with serious crimes such as homicide being exempt from these changes. Ms Allen however has insisted that the reforms are a key priority of her government and that they will help prevent future criminal activity. “There’s a huge amount of work that’s being undertaken by Victoria Police to work with those young people ... [and] that sort of prevention-based activity is the best way to address future youth crime,” she said. “At the same time, when offences are made, Victoria Police have the tools and resources to deal with those.” Image credits: Facebook

News

Alec Baldwin facing new charges over fatal Rust shooting

Alec Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for a second time over the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust. The Hollywood legend has been indicted by a grand jury in New Mexico over the death of the 42-year-old cinematographer, who was hit with a live bullet that had been loaded into a prop gun for a scene. “The above named defendant did cause the death of Halyna Hutchins by an act committed with the total disregard of indifference for the safety of others,” the indictment obtained by <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/01/19/news/alec-baldwin-charged-with-involuntary-manslaughter-over-rust-shooting/">The Post</a> read. Baldwin has long denied the charges, and has stood by his claim that he did not pull the trigger on the day of the accident. Baldwin had previously been charged with the same crime by the Santa Fe district attorney in January 2022. He pleaded not guilty at the time, but the case soon fell apart and the charges were dropped in April that year after it was determined that further forensic testing needed to be done on the weapon that fired the bullet. Despite the case being dismissed, the DA was clear that the door would be left open to refile the charges. Prosecutors have also charged Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who oversaw the weapons on the movie set, with the same crime. She has also pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. If convicted, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Christian Oliver's ex-wife shares devastating tribute following fatal plane crash

The ex-wife of late actor Christian Oliver has broken her silence following a plane crash that killed the actor and their two young daughters, Madita Klepser, 10, and Annik Klepser, 12. Jessica Klepser took to Instagram to share a statement just days after the tragedy. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members," she said in the post shared by Wundabar Pilates, the studio where she works. Klepser added that Oliver and their daughters were returning from a holiday in the Caribbean, when the single-engine plane they were traveling in experienced engine trouble and fell into the ocean. "Unfortunately, all four passengers on the small aircraft did not survive," the statement continued. Klepser then went on to honour her two daughters. "Madita, a vibrant 7th-grade student at Louis Armstrong Middle School, was known for her lively spirit and excelled in academics, dance, singing, and performances. "Annik, a 4th-grade student at Wonderland Ave Elementary School, was recognized for her gentle yet strong demeanor. She was always the first to offer a kind word or a comforting hug. Her passions included basketball, swimming, and various forms of art." "The deep bond, infectious laughter, and adventurous spirit shared by Madita and Annik will be profoundly missed in their communities," adding that Oliver's loss will also be "deeply felt by all who knew him." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vgVoCrY4v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vgVoCrY4v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by WundaBar Pilates by Amy Jordan (@wundabarpilates)</a> </div> </blockquote> The post included a picture of their daughters hugging in front of a sunset, and also noted that in lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations via a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-christian-madita-and-annik?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page, to help cover the costs of returning "Christian and the girls home," among other expenses. The 51-year-old actor had a couple of roles in TV and film, but is mostly known for his role as Snake Oiler in the 2008 action film, Speed Racer. His career began in 1994 with a 26-episode role on the show Saved by the Bell: The New Class. According to The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/jan/07/christian-oliver-daughters-plane-crash-tribute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guardian</a>, Oliver and Klepser tied the knot on July 2010, before Oliver filed for divorce in December 2021 after 11 years of marriage. The divorce was finalised in June, with the couple sharing joint custody of their daughters. Oliver is survived by his sister and parents in Germany. Images: GoFundMe/Instagram

Family & Pets

"Impossibly sad": P-plater jailed over fatal crash

A southwest Sydney community is reeling after Tyrell Edwards was sentenced for causing the deaths of five children in a fiery crash last year. Edwards, 20, was driving recklessly at speeds of 147km/h in the suburb of Buxton when he crashed into two trees and struck five teenagers. Lily Van De Putte, Gabby McLennan, Summer Williams, all aged 14, Tyrese Bechard, 15, and Antonio Desisto, 16, were all killed in the devastating incident. Appearing in Campbelltown District Court on his 20th birthday, Edwards sentenced to 12 years in prison, and will be eligible for parole in seven years, after pleading guilty to five counts of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death at a speed more than 45km/h over the limit. The judge described the deaths of the five victims as “tragic and impossibly sad”. “The loss of these five young people diminishes us all,” he said. “Their deaths were completely avoidable and responsibility for them lies squarely at the feet of the offender.” Gasps were heard in the courtroom as the sentence was read, with families of the victims sharing their disappointment at the sentencing. Speaking outside court on Friday, family members of three of the teenagers hit out at the “unfair” sentence. Samantha McLennan said her heart “dropped” as she heard the ruling, while Exavan Desisto said he was “speechless”. “I knew the outcome wouldn’t be spectacular but to hear it was a big shock,” he said. “The justice system absolutely stinks.” John Van De Putte said he expected the sentence to be low, but felt it did not match the crime. “There’s five lives lost. Seven years in jail,” he said. “You’d get more if you killed someone with a baseball bat Mr Van De Putte had previously told the court there was “no excuse” for Edwards, a licensed driver, to have driven so recklessly and endangered the lives of his underage passengers. “No matter what you get, it will not bring back the five lives,” he told the 20-year-old. Image credits: Facebook

News

Major update in fatal tasering charges

The police officer who allegedly tasered 95-year-old Clare Nowland has had his charges upgraded to manslaughter. Senior Constable Kristian White, 33, was called to Nowland's nursing home in Cooma on May 17th when she was suffering from a medical episode, before allegedly tasering the senior woman. Nowland, who had dementia, was wandering around her care home with two knives when police arrived and the alleged tasering took place. A week after the incident, she died in hospital from the injuries she sustained. While she was still fighting for life in hospital, Nowland's family filed a civil case against the state of NSW for negligence and trespass to a person, launching an investigation into the incident. Earlier this year, the police officer was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault over the incident. On Wednesday, police upgraded Constable White's charges, charging him with manslaughter after receiving advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and State Crime Command’s homicide squad. Constable White remains suspended from duty with full pay and on bail in the Cooma community, where is prohibited from interacting with any of Mrs Nowland’s eight children, 24 grandchildren, or 30 great-grandchildren. He will next appear at Cooma Local Court on December 6th. Image credits: Facebook / Nine News

Legal

Manhunt as two men who fled scene of fatal car crash identified

The young victims of a deadly crash crash have been identified, as police continue their search for two men who fled the scene. Braydan Collier, 13, and Kaine Bell, 14, were killed after a silver Ford sedan slammed into a telegraph pole and a jacaranda tree in Ashcroft, western Sydney, at high speed on Monday, splitting the vehicle in two and throwing one of the young boys from the car. Braydan had just celebrated his 13th birthday on Sunday, the day before he and his best mate would be killed in the horrifying crash. The two men, one of whom was driving the car, abandoned the scene, prompting a major manhunt from police. The men are claimed by police to be Nicholas Thew and Anthony Morris, according to report from <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/braydan-collier-and-kaine-bell-killed-in-horror-ashcroft-crash/news-story/15b23363d37e02c5e2b6fa1839c23869" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a>. Graphic CCTV footage of the accident captured the moment two adult men, who, the publication reports “played surrogate big brother roles” in their lives, pulled themselves from the wreckage of the car, stepped over the boys’ bodies and fled the scene. One of the men could be heard yelling to his fellow front seat passenger “I wanna go home” as they ran, leaving the teenagers behind, who died at the scene. Nicholas Thew’s younger brother Dridyn told The Telegraph his family was horrified by the accident. He said he and his mother had taken the young victims “under their wing”. “Mum’s more worried about the two little boys, she tried to take them under her wing, she took Kaine and Braydan under her wing even though she struggles herself,” he said. “They’re little ones I took under my wing to keep out of trouble, but I haven’t seen them for two days and look where they are now." “My younger brother went around there and identified them. I’m heartbroken.” NSW Police are investigating the crash and the events leading up to it as they hunt for the two men who ran from the wreck, with Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden saying the accident was “clearly avoidable”. “We are looking for that driver to present themself so we can speak to him. We do not know what role, if any, he has played in the crash, but it is certainly an active line of investigation,” he said. He urged the pair who fled the vehicle to come forward, warning: “we will find them”. “They just need to present themselves to a police station, so we can engage with them and they can assist us with the inquiries and work out how this tragic situation unfolded,” Mr McFadden said. Image credits: Nine News

Legal

Erin Patterson arrested over fatal mushroom meal

Erin Patterson has been arrested at her home in Victoria over her potential involvement in the suspicious deaths of three people. In July, Gail and Don Patterson, the parents of Erin Patterson's ex-husband, and Gail Patterson's sister, Heather Wilkinson, died from mushroom poisoning after attending a lunch hosted by the 49-year-old woman. Heather's husband Ian Wilkinson also attended the lunch and was critically ill, but recovered. All four had shared a meal, understood to be a beef Wellington, allegedly cooked by Patterson. Patterson was arrested early on Thursday morning, with AFP conducting a search of her home shortly after her arrest with technology detector dogs in tow. Veteran crime journalist John Silvester, of <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/mushroom-cook-erin-patterson-arrested-over-fatal-lunch-20231102-p5egxu.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Age</a> newspaper, told Today Extra on Thursday that the dogs were a sophisticated police tool that can detect electronic devices. "These dogs are absolutely amazing and they can sniff out and have sniffed out a SIM card that was hidden in a bowl of garlic," he said. "They are there for a purpose. This is not speculation. They will be there looking for something like a mobile phone, a SIM card, or a memory disk." Police said Patterson will now be interviewed and the investigation remains ongoing, as no charges have officially been laid. Erin Patterson has always maintained she did not intentionally poison her guests, telling reporters at the time of their deaths that she was "devastated" by the loss of her relatives. "I didn't do anything, I loved them," she said. Image credits: A Current Affair

Legal

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Grandmother's plea after tragic fatal school excursion

“This is the guy”: Shocking new footage of Trump shooting released

Elon Musk tops donations as millions raised for Trump shooting victims

"Hero" victim identified at Trump rally shooting

Tragic moment mother returns to scene of fatal house fire

Elderly driver hailed a hero amid fatal bus tragedy

“These are people’s lives”: Calls for gambling reform after fatal cruise ship plunge

Police fatally shoot armed 16-year-old after Bunnings carpark stabbing

Best friends on the way to a wedding identified in fatal crash

Awful new details emerge after man's fatal fall from hot air balloon

Verdict delivered over fatal Rust shooting

Heroic fan tackles deadly shooter at victory parade

Grandmother fatally stabbed in front of granddaughter

Major update in fatal stabbing of young Melbourne doctor

Alec Baldwin facing new charges over fatal Rust shooting

Christian Oliver's ex-wife shares devastating tribute following fatal plane crash

"Impossibly sad": P-plater jailed over fatal crash

Major update in fatal tasering charges

Manhunt as two men who fled scene of fatal car crash identified

Erin Patterson arrested over fatal mushroom meal

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Grandmother's plea after tragic fatal school excursion

“This is the guy”: Shocking new footage of Trump shooting released

Elon Musk tops donations as millions raised for Trump shooting victims

"Hero" victim identified at Trump rally shooting

Tragic moment mother returns to scene of fatal house fire

Elderly driver hailed a hero amid fatal bus tragedy

“These are people’s lives”: Calls for gambling reform after fatal cruise ship plunge

Police fatally shoot armed 16-year-old after Bunnings carpark stabbing

Best friends on the way to a wedding identified in fatal crash

Awful new details emerge after man's fatal fall from hot air balloon

Verdict delivered over fatal Rust shooting

Heroic fan tackles deadly shooter at victory parade

Grandmother fatally stabbed in front of granddaughter

Major update in fatal stabbing of young Melbourne doctor

Alec Baldwin facing new charges over fatal Rust shooting

Christian Oliver's ex-wife shares devastating tribute following fatal plane crash

"Impossibly sad": P-plater jailed over fatal crash

Major update in fatal tasering charges

Manhunt as two men who fled scene of fatal car crash identified

Erin Patterson arrested over fatal mushroom meal

Our Partners

Join Over60