June 28, 2025

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Incident Overview
A 26-year-old man has been charged following an investigation into a fatal crash that occurred on December 24, 2024, in Mount Sheridan, a suburb of Cairns. Police allege a silver Mazda 3 left the roadway on Hardy Road and struck a chain mesh fence topped with a metal pole. A 23-year-old passenger from Edmonton died at the scene. The driver and two other passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Tuesday, December 24, 2024 (time not specified)
  • Location: Hardy Road, Mount Sheridan, Cairns, Queensland

Vehicles Involved

  • Silver Mazda 3 sedan – carrying four occupants at the time of the crash

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • A 23-year-old man from Edmonton, a passenger in the Mazda, was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • Other Injuries:
    • The driver and two other passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at the scene.

Emergency Response
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene on Hardy Road. The vehicle had crashed into a fence structure, causing fatal injuries to one of the occupants. Paramedics treated the injured individuals, and the site was secured by police for investigation.

Investigation
The Far North District Forensic Crash Unit conducted a comprehensive investigation into the crash. On June 27, 2025, police charged the 26-year-old driver with:

  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death while adversely affected
  • Driving with a relevant drug present in saliva or blood
  • Unlicenced driving

The accused has been issued a Notice to Appear before the Cairns Magistrates Court on July 16, 2025. The crash is being treated as preventable, with road safety authorities reinforcing the dangers of impaired and unlicensed driving.

Community Impact
The fatal crash deeply affected the Cairns suburb of Edmonton, with the loss of a young passenger just before Christmas. The incident underscores the importance of eliminating the Fatal Five behaviours—particularly drug driving and unlicensed operation of vehicles—on Queensland roads.

Witnesses/Appeals
While charges have been laid, anyone with additional information or who witnessed the incident on Hardy Road on the night of December 24, 2024, is encouraged to contact: