Coroner Finds Sole Survivor Jorja Fox Was Driving During 2023 Bochara Crash That Killed Four – Hamilton Region, VIC – 7 October 2025

Case Overview
A coroner has ruled that Jorja Fox, the sole survivor of a crash that killed four people near Hamilton in 2023, was driving the vehicle at the time of the tragedy. The collision claimed the lives of Joshua Elmes (15), Megan Fox (14), Lucus Garzoli (14), and Alicia Montebello (31) after Ms Montebello’s red Toyota swerved off the road and struck a tree at Bochara, near Hamilton, in the state’s southwest.

Coroner David Ryan found that then-16-year-old Fox was behind the wheel but could not determine the exact cause of the crash, noting that she has no memory of the event due to a serious head injury that caused post-traumatic amnesia.

“The tragic circumstances of this case highlight the risks of children acting recklessly in relation to their safety and the safety of others.” — Coroner David Ryan

Incident Details

• Date of Crash: Saturday, 27 May 2023 (shortly after 1:00 am)
• Coronial Finding Date: Tuesday, 7 October 2025
• Location: Bochara, near Hamilton, South-West Victoria

Victims

• Deceased:
  • **Joshua Elmes (15)**
  • **Megan Fox (14)**
  • **Lucus Garzoli (14)**
  • **Alicia Montebello (31)**
• Survivor:
  • **Jorja Fox (then 16)**, sustained head injuries and amnesia.

Findings and Evidence

• The coroner accepted expert evidence that **Jorja Fox** was driving the vehicle when it lost control and crashed into a tree.
• Collision reconstruction showed the car was travelling at approximately **85–100 km/h** before impact and around **57 km/h** when it struck the tree.
• Social media footage posted an hour earlier indicated the group was travelling at up to **130 km/h** on rural roads.
• None of the five occupants were wearing seatbelts.
• The cause of the crash could not be definitively determined — possible contributing factors included fatigue, distraction, wildlife, substance influence, or interference by another occupant.

“Possibilities which cannot be excluded include her swerving to avoid wildlife, being affected by alcohol or other drugs, driving in a reckless manner, being distracted by a phone or other occupants, or another occupant moving the steering wheel.” — Coroner David Ryan

Coronial Determinations

• **Jorja Fox** was driving the red Toyota at the time of the crash.
• Coroner noted **no evidence of intent**, but ruled the driving as reckless and unsafe.
• Police had initially prepared a brief for charges including *dangerous driving causing death*, but the Office of Public Prosecutions determined it could not prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
• No criminal charges were laid.

Contributing Factors

• Driver inexperience (Fox was 16 at the time and unlicensed).
• Lack of seatbelt use by all five occupants.
• Vehicle speed exceeding 130 km/h before the crash.
• Possible adult negligence — **Ms Montebello** provided the teenager access to her car and failed to act responsibly to ensure safety.

Community and Family Response
Families of the victims expressed relief at the report’s conclusion, with Lee-Ann Elmes, mother of 15-year-old Joshua, saying the findings bring closure:

“I am glad that it is all over. We can now get on with our lives.” — Lee-Ann Elmes

The crash devastated the Hamilton community, sparking local initiatives promoting youth road safety. Ms Elmes has since focused on opening a youth centre to provide young people with safer outlets and stronger community support.

Coroner’s Commentary
Coroner David Ryan emphasised the responsibility of adults to act protectively around minors:

“It reinforces the responsibility of adults to act responsibly and protectively in relation to children when they are involved with them in the operation of a motor vehicle.” — Coroner David Ryan