Former AFL Player Shannon Cox Pleads Guilty to Killing Two Women in Wheatbelt Crash – June 2024

Incident Overview
Former AFL player Shannon Cox , who played 25 games for Collingwood, has pleaded guilty to killing two elderly women in a car crash near Cataby in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region. The tragic incident occurred in June 2024 , when Cox was driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle that collided with a hatchback carrying Thelma Clausen and Coral Seinor , both in their 80s. Both women died at the scene.

Cox, 39, appeared via video link from Greenough Regional Prison in the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on March 20, 2025 , where he pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter. His lawyer requested a psychological report ahead of his sentencing hearing, scheduled for August 2025 in the Supreme Court.

The crash has deeply affected the Jurien Bay community , where the women were celebrated as stalwarts and founders of the local branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) .

Location and Time
The crash occurred on the Brand Highway near Cataby , a rural area in WA’s Wheatbelt region, in June 2024 . The exact time of the collision has not been disclosed, but emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after it was reported.

Vehicles Involved

• A four-wheel-drive vehicle, driven by Shannon Cox.
• A hatchback, carrying Thelma Clausen and Coral Seinor.

Both vehicles sustained significant damage in the crash, requiring emergency services to secure the scene and conduct a thorough investigation.

Crash Description
Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a serious collision between a four-wheel-drive and a hatchback. Upon arrival, responders found the two elderly women critically injured in the hatchback. Despite efforts to revive them, both Thelma Clausen and Coral Seinor were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigations revealed that Cox’s vehicle had collided with the hatchback, which was traveling along the Brand Highway. The force of the impact caused significant damage to both vehicles, leaving debris scattered across the road.

Authorities conducted an initial investigation, documenting skid marks, vehicle positions, and road conditions. Investigators are working to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash, including speed, driver behavior, and other potential contributing factors.

Injuries/Fatalities

• Thelma Clausen, in her 80s, died at the scene.
• Coral Seinor, also in her 80s, died at the scene.
• Shannon Cox was uninjured but is facing charges of manslaughter.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics, firefighters, and police, responded swiftly to the crash site after it was reported. Paramedics worked to stabilize the two women but were unable to save them. Police secured the area and coordinated traffic management while conducting an initial investigation.

A crime scene was established to document evidence, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Investigators are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage to assist with their inquiries.

Community Impact
The deaths of Thelma Clausen and Coral Seinor have left the Jurien Bay community devastated. Described as stalwarts of the town, the women were instrumental in founding the local branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and were beloved members of the community.

The tragedy has sparked discussions about road safety in rural areas like the Wheatbelt, particularly on highways such as the Brand Highway.

Investigation
Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the crash, focusing on several key areas:

• The actions of Shannon Cox leading up to the collision, including speed and adherence to road rules.
• Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the crash.
• Potential factors such as distraction, fatigue, or mechanical issues with the vehicles involved.

Investigators are reviewing whether alcohol or drug impairment may have been a factor. A psychological report has been requested by Cox’s lawyer to better understand his mental state at the time of the crash.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact authorities.

Sentencing and Legal Proceedings
Cox appeared in court via video link from Greenough Regional Prison and pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter. His lawyer, Paul Holmes , requested a psychological report to be prepared ahead of his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for August 2025 in the Supreme Court.

The case has drawn significant attention due to Cox’s background as a former AFL player and the tragic loss of two respected community figures.