An Adelaide Hills community is mourning the loss of a popular footballer, who died in a horrific car accident, marking the 16th road fatality in South Australia this year.

Daniel Wood was killed about 1.30am today when his Holden station wagon failed to negotiate a bend on Uley Road at One Tree Hill and crashed into a stobie pole, splitting the vehicle into three pieces. 

Wood, a 35-year-old player at the Gumeracha Football Club, has been remembered by his family and friends for his “unwavering loyalty” and “warm smile”. 

“Our heart goes out to [the family],” resident Barbara Broomhead told 9News.

The crash site on Uley Road has gained notoriety for high-speed accidents, prompting locals to demand a reduction in the speed limit from 100km/h. 

“They’ll drop it to 80 soon because it’s the only road that’s 100 around here,” resident Brett Loller said.

The deadly crash is the second on Uley Road this year, following the death of a father who was killed while dropping his children at school in Craigmore.

South Australia’s road toll has reached an alarming 16 fatalities just six weeks into 2025.

“Unfortunately, January and February so far this year haven’t been good,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.

“There’s a lot of heartache associated with that.”