lifestyle
June 19, 2023 | 1:26 p.m
Mitchell Gaffney and Madeline Edsel thanked the community for their “outpouring of love and support” in their first statement since the horrific bus crash that killed 10 wedding guests.
“While we appreciate the outpouring of love and support from the community, we ask the media to respect our privacy while we grieve,” the couple, who live in Australia, said in a statement.
“Our primary focus at this time is to address this tragedy, and to support our family and friends, which is why we would like to officially decline any requests for media interviews.”
Gaffney’s parents also broke their silence, posting pleas on social media for action on seatbelts on buses.
John Gaffney wrote on LinkedIn: “It was a glorious occasion until word came out of a bus crash and ten people lost their lives in a few hours, many lives shattered.”
“Hopefully something positive will come out of this tragedy.
“Fifty years ago, the installation and wearing of seat belts became mandatory in Australia for all motor vehicle occupants, which have saved countless lives since then.
“While my wife and I can’t do it alone, we ultimately believe that everyone riding a bus should have access to a seatbelt and be required by laws to wear one.”
He asked people to pressure federal and state MPs to make change happen.
Gaffney also thanked all who offered prayers and support.
His wife, Caroline, posted a similar message on Facebook.
“In order for something ‘good’ to come out of this, our family would be grateful if society would pressure state and federal governments to ensure seat belts are provided on all buses and make wearing them mandatory,” she wrote.
“We have an opportunity to change the law and the more support we get, the more likely it is to change.
“Everyone who rides a bus must have a seatbelt and is required by law to wear one.”
More than 40 people were on the bus that left the Wandin Valley resort where they celebrated the wedding of Mitchell Gaffney and Madeline Edsel on Sunday, June 11.
The provincial football club that lost seven of its members in the collapse has pleaded for privacy as its members continue to grieve for their loved ones.
Speaking to the media from the club’s Rose Point Park stadium on Monday, Singleton Roosters AFC President Dylan Hickson explained how the close-knit community has been recovering from the devastating incident.
The club lost several members in the accident, including Ken Simmons, Rebecca Mullin, Torey Cowburn, couple Andrew and Lynan Scott, and mother and daughter Nadine and Kia McBride.
“The Singleton Roosters Australian Football Club has been devastated by the tragic bus accident in Hunter Valley,” he said.
“Our community has experienced unfathomable heartache, distress and grief after a number of people closely associated with the club were on board and were either injured or killed.”
Speaking on behalf of the club, Hickson shared his “deepest sympathies” with the families who have lost loved ones.
“Our number one priority and focus is to support the families, friends and those of the wider club community who have been affected by this unspeakable tragedy,” he said.
“We thank every person and organization who have given support and condolences to our club and the affected families not only within our city and AFL community but also to those connected with the wedding.”
He also asked for privacy as the city of 4,261 people mourn their loved ones.
“We appreciate that there has been significant media and public interest in the tragedy and
involved,” he said.
“We ask that the privacy of our community be respected as we collectively grieve and process the tremendous loss.
“Our club has been formed of great people and relationships have been strengthened within it and we will lean on each other during this very difficult time, with the memory of all those lost at the forefront of our thoughts.”
The soccer club also raised $82,922 via a now-closed GoFundMe, with the money going toward families affected by the bus crash.
They have now directed donors to the Rotary’s Hunter Valley (NSW) Bus Tragedy Fund, which was started after NSW Premier Chris Means pledged $68,000 to survivors, victims and their families through the Prime Minister’s Discretionary Fund.
As of Monday morning, the fund has raised an additional $418,174
Bus driver Brett Patton, 58, has been charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving with death and negligent driving after the accident. He was granted bail and will return to court at a later date.
load more…
{{#isDisplay}}
{{/ isDisplay}} {{#isAniviewVideo}}
{{/ isAniviewVideo}} {{#isSRVideo}}
{{/ isSRVideo}}
“Subtly charming student. Pop culture junkie. Creator. Amateur music specialist. Beer fanatic.”