Michael John Pearlman is "sorely missed" by his Transport Canberra colleagues, who remember the veteran driver and trainer as an "amazing bloke".
On the afternoon of Sunday, June 21, 2026, a car driven by the 59-year-old McKellar resident collided head-on with another vehicle on the Kings Highway near Old Bolaro Road in Nelligen, approximately 15km north-west of Batemans Bay.
Mr Pearlman died at the scene.
The driver of the other vehicle, 22-year-old Mirko Tomicic of Nelligen, was also killed in the crash.
Mr Pearlman worked at Transport Canberra for more than seven years as a bus driver and driver trainer at the Belconnen Depot.
His impact reached well beyond Belconnen as Mr Pearlman was a popular figure across the network, having trained numerous drivers throughout the territory.
"He was known throughout [Transport Canberra]. He trained drivers all across Canberra," said one colleague, describing him as a "much-loved man" among staff.
"He was a kind and generous guy. He had time for everyone. A lot of people at the depot are very upset."
"He was an amazing bloke who will be sorely missed," a staffer from the Tuggeranong bus depot in Greenway said.
In an official statement, Transport Canberra said it was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mr Pearlman.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with his partner Joanna, family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time," a spokesperson said.
Management noted that throughout his years of service, Mr Pearlman maintained a positive and enthusiastic energy that would be deeply missed.
Away from public transport, Mr Pearlman was an avid motorcyclist who loved long-distance touring on two wheels. His social media posts showed an adventurous rider capable of maneuvering his motocross bike across some of the toughest terrain in New South Wales.
Above all, Mr Pearlman was a dedicated family man.
"With the deepest sorrow and heartbreak, we share the sudden and tragic passing of Michael Pearlman on 21 June. Adored father, son, brother, husband, partner, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend. Eternally loved," a relative wrote online two days after the crash.
Mr Pearlman will be laid to rest on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Mitchell in a private ceremony attended by family, friends, and his tight-knit cohort of drivers from the Belconnen Bus Depot.
