A MAN accused of fleeing the scene of a crash that killed a 75-year-old woman near Greta on Monday remains in hospital under police guard.
Nathaniel Chapman, 21, did not appear in court or apply for bail on Wednesday after he was charged in John Hunter Hospital with a string of offences, including dangerous driving occasioning death.
Chapman will be taken behind bars once discharged from hospital and his matter was adjourned to Newcastle Local Court in September.
Police have said emergency services were called to the New England Highway at Harpers Hill about 8.50am on July 20 following reports of a crash.
At the scene, police were told a hatchback and utility had crashed head on, blocking both directions of traffic.
Paramedics worked to save the 75-year-old hatchback driver's life, but she was unable to be revived.
Police allege Chapman was the driver of the ute and left the scene on foot.
He was arrested nearby a short time later and taken to John Hunter Hospital for assessment and mandatory testing.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District officers established a crime scene and the Crash Investigation Unit forensically examined the scene.
The New England Highway at Harpers Hill was closed in both directions between Orient Street and Allandale Road while emergency services worked and the crash site was cleared.
The major emergency response involved five ambulances, including specialist intensive care paramedics, and Westpac Rescue Helicopter with a critical care medical team on board.
On Tuesday afternoon, police went to the hospital and spoke with Chapman.
He was charged with five offences, including dangerous driving occasioning death, failure to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death and not keeping left of the dividing lane.
Anyone with dashcam footage or information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
