An accused drunk, drug and speeding driver has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly crashing into the back of a teenager's car on the Monaro Highway.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
A blameless Lachlan Seary, 19, was killed in the collision early in the morning on March 8, police said.
It's alleged a 28-year-old driver hit his car from behind sending it spinning from the road into a tree.
The 28-year-old accused driver was not hurt.
Police investigating the collision found a speed camera on the Highway captured him driving 149km/h in a 100km/h zone just before the crash.
Surveillance footage, also from the highway, allegedly showed him travelling faster than 160km/h in an 80km/h zone before the collision.
Testing afterwards revealed the driver had a blood alcohol level of 0.186 and MDMA in his system, it is alleged.
He is charged with manslaughter, aggravated dangerous driving, level 4 drink driving, and driving with a prescribed drug in his oral fluid.
In consultation with prosecutors, it was the seriousness of the alleged offending that led police to charge the man with the serious offence of manslaughter.
"As a result of one man's reckless actions, a young man has lost his life in the most tragic circumstances."
- Detective Inspector Donna Hofmeier
"There are consequences for people's actions and they need to be held accountable," ACT Road Policing's detective inspector Donna Hofmeier said.
"This is one of the worst incidents I've seen in my career."
The detective also pointed to the ACT's growing road toll so early in the year.
"Last year we had six fatalities, this year we've had four already.
"We can't get the message out enough.
"We're now heading into the Easter long weekend and our message is you can drive or drink but don't do both."
Detective Hofmeier also said there was no suggestion the 19-year-old driver had done anything wrong.
"As a result of one man's reckless actions, a young man has lost his life in the most tragic circumstances.
"The 19-year-old was a completely innocent party in this collision.
"There was no street racing and no interactions between the two drivers before the two cars collided."
Earlier this month, the Canberra Brave ice hockey team paid tribute to its rising star Mr Seary.
Brave chief executive Dan Amodio said the 2021 season would be dedicated to Mr Seary.
"To lose Lachy at such a young age and in horrific circumstances is a tragedy beyond words," he said
The accused driver is due to appear in court on June 24.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
