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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
Michael Parris

'Unfathomable heartache, distress, sadness': Roosters speak after fatal crash

Singleton Roosters: bus crash horror 'unfathomable'
  • Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story may contain images of deceased persons.

Singleton Roosters president Dylan Hixon says the AFL club has endured "unfathomable heartache" after seven of its players died in a late-night bus crash on the way home from a wedding.

The club addressed the media for the first time since the tragedy at its Rose Point Park home ground on Monday, asking for the time and space to deal with the events of June 11.

Roosters Andrew and Lynan Scott, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn, Kane Symons and Nadene and Kyah McBride were among the 10 people killed when their bus overturned at a roundabout on Wine Country Drive.

The partner of Roosters player Sam Howard, young Calvary Mater Hospital doctor Rebecca Mullen, also died in the accident.

Roosters president Dylan Hixon addresses the media on Monday supported by club members. Picture by Simone De Peak

An emotional Mr Hixon read out a prepared statement to the media which said the club had been "devastated" by the tragedy and was focused on supporting the families and friends of those killed and injured.

"Our community has experienced unfathomable heartache, distress, sadness," he said.

"The club extends its deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones."

Mr Hixon, who was supported at the media conference by fellow club members dressed in the Roosters' red and white colours, described the accident as "unspeakable".

"We thank every person and organisation that has offered condolences and support," he said.

Mr Hixon said the club understood the public interest in the accident but asked that the media respect its privacy while it grieved those lost.

"The club has been formed out of great people ... we will lean on each other through this incredible and difficult time with the memory of everyone that's been lost at the forefront of our thoughts."

Tributes at the Roosters' home ground. Picture by Simone DePeak
Members of the Singleton Roosters club comfort each other at Monday's media conference. Picture by Simone De Peak
Roosters club members with Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Singleton mayor Sue Moore at Monday's media conference. Picture by Simone De Peak
Tributes at the Roosters' home ground. Picture by Simone DePeak
Tributes at the crash site on Monday. Picture by Simone DePeak

The media conference took place about 50 metres from a mound of flower tributes in the middle of Rose Point Park.

Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the wider community was "getting by better than the AFL club".

"It's still very raw for them," she said.

"The wider community is getting better day by day, coming to terms with it day by day.

"You can go down the shops and get on with your business a little bit more, but it's still very much in people's eyes.

"You can see it when you look at people, when you smile at people. There's still that depressed mood around."

She said the club had received numerous requests to speak publicly about the accident.

"You could see from the club members they're still very raw and just need time to heal."

The lost lives of the Hunter Valley bus crash

About 25 club members attended the Singleton Rugby Club game in the town on Saturday and joined the union club's players in the dressing rooms afterwards to sing the Roosters team song.

Cr Moore said the Roosters had started discussing when they should begin playing again.

"It's obviously challenging getting players back out on the field again," she said.

"They can hear the voices of those that aren't with us any longer saying get out there and get into it."

Cr Moore said a community memorial service would take place in Singleton but not for at least a month.

To see more stories and read today's paper download the Newcastle Herald news app here.

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