May 5, 2025

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Incident Overview
The Adelaide martial arts community , friends, and family are mourning the tragic loss of two rising stars, Luke Marko (21) and Sami Adnan (22) , who died in a horrific car crash on Echunga Road, Paechtown , near Hahndorf , in the Adelaide Hills.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 5, 2025 , when the Holden Astra driven by Sami left the road and collided with a gumtree. The impact crushed the cabin, trapping both occupants. Despite their critical injuries, neither could be saved, and they tragically died at the scene.

The pair were returning home from martial arts training when the crash happened. Both were promising athletes—Luke was a champion jiu-jitsu fighter, and Sami had recently won an interstate MMA fight.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which marks the 26th and 27th fatalities on South Australian roads this year.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Sunday, May 5, 2025 (approximately 5:00 pm).
  • Location: Echunga Road, Paechtown, near Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills, South Australia.

Vehicles Involved

  • A **Holden Astra**, driven by Sami Adnan, which left the road and collided with a gumtree.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • **Luke Marko (21)**: Champion jiu-jitsu fighter.
    • **Sami Adnan (22)**: Promising MMA athlete who recently won an interstate fight.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services attended the scene promptly after the crash was reported.
  • Both victims suffered critical injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

“Neither of the two could be saved.”
— 7NEWS report

Community Tributes
The deaths of Luke and Sami have left a profound impact on their families, friends, and the martial arts community:

  • Luke’s Gym Coach: Daniel Marinelli described Luke as a talented fighter who will be deeply missed by his teammates, supporters, and best friend Mary.
  • Friend’s Tribute: Alec Burns paid emotional tribute to the pair, saying, “Sami and Luke meant so much to me, they were like my brothers.” He added that Luke was destined to become one of the best in his field.

Both men were celebrated for their dedication to martial arts and their close bond as friends.

“He (Luke) was up there to be one of the best, he was very very very good.”
— Friend’s tribute to Luke Marko

Police Investigation
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, focusing on:

  • The sequence of events leading to the vehicle leaving the roadway and colliding with a tree.
  • Road conditions, signage, and visibility at the time of the incident.
  • Potential factors such as speed, distraction, or driver inexperience (Sami had only held his license for three weeks).

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Broader Impact
This tragic crash has deeply affected the Adelaide Hills community , particularly the martial arts scene, where both men were celebrated for their achievements and potential. Their deaths highlight the risks faced by young drivers, especially those new to driving, and underscore the importance of road safety awareness.