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The heartache is still fresh for Phillip Crosland, whose world was shattered after losing his beloved wife and lifelong companion, Maureen Crosland, in a tragic accident on the Camden bypass.
“She was a terrific person,” Phillip shared, reflecting on the profound impact Maureen had on those around her.
Maureen, who dedicated her time to volunteering at the local school, was cherished by the young students she helped with reading and writing. Her kindness and dedication earned her much admiration and love from the community.
“She was well respected too; the kids loved her,” Phillip added, emphasizing the deep connections she formed with the children she mentored.
The 84-year-old Maureen was accompanied by her dear friend Lee Casuscelli at the time of the accident. Their friendship and shared journeys underscore the profound loss felt by those who knew and loved Maureen.
They were off to buy dresses for an upcoming wedding.
“If it had been three seconds earlier or later they wouldn’t have been hit,” Phillip said.
It’s alleged Luke Francis stole a red Toyota sedan from a Hurstville petrol station, prompting a police pursuit.
On Saturday, NSW Police claimed the pursuit was terminated in the Bankstown area, however 9News has obtained CCTV footage that appeared to call that into question.
Footage at Bridgewater Boulevard in Camden Park, about 40 kilometres from Bankstown, about two minutes before the crash appears to show the stolen red Toyota and three unmarked police vehicles behind it with no lights or sirens, and then one marked police car with sirens on.
The stolen car then hits a dead end and comes back, crossing onto the wrong side of the road.
Again three unmarked police cars are just seconds behind.
Maureen’s family has this question for NSW Police.
“If the police called off the pursuit, how come they were there to chase him when he got out of the car?” Mr Crosland said.
Detectives with the critical incident team returned to nearby streets today searching for CCTV.
Mr Crosland has already lost two of his three children to meningitis and cancer, and now he’s lost the person he depended on the most.
“Terrible thing to happen IÂ can’t explain it,” he said.
“Everything’s been taken away from me.”