March 21, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A tragic car crash in the Hunter Valley has claimed the life of a 17-year-old learner driver, Haydn Omand , and left his 16-year-old brother, Daniel Omand , critically injured. The incident occurred on John Renshaw Drive, Black Hill , at approximately 9:00 pm on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 , when Haydn’s Holden Commodore collided with a utility vehicle (ute).

Haydn died at the scene, while Daniel, who was seated in the back of the car, was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, where he remains in an induced coma. Their uncle, a 56-year-old man who was in the front passenger seat, was taken to John Hunter Hospital in stable condition. The female driver of the ute, aged 62, sustained minor injuries and was also transported to the hospital for mandatory testing.

Heartbreaking details have emerged, revealing that Haydn had just purchased his first car and was driving it home to Woodbury , around 55 kilometers north of Wyee, when the crash occurred. His mother, Mary Fenech , was following behind in another vehicle at the time of the collision.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on John Renshaw Drive, Black Hill , in the Hunter Valley , at approximately 9:00 pm on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 . The nighttime conditions and rural location may have contributed to the severity of the collision.

Vehicles Involved

  • A **Holden Commodore**, driven by Haydn Omand, the 17-year-old learner driver.
  • A **utility vehicle (ute)**, driven by a 62-year-old woman.

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 two-vehicle collision involving a Holden Commodore and a utility vehicle. Upon arrival, responders found the 17-year-old driver of the Commodore deceased at the scene. His 16-year-old brother, Daniel, was critically injured and airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital for urgent medical care.

The front passenger of the Commodore, a 56-year-old man, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and taken to John Hunter Hospital in stable condition. The 62-year-old female driver of the ute sustained minor injuries and was taken to the same hospital for mandatory testing as part of standard crash protocol.

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

  • Haydn Omand, 17, died at the scene.
  • Daniel Omand, 16, was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in critical condition and remains in an induced coma.
  • The boys’ uncle, 56, was taken to John Hunter Hospital in stable condition.
  • The 62-year-old female driver of the ute sustained minor injuries and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including paramedics and police, responded swiftly to the crash site after it was reported. Paramedics worked to stabilize the injured passengers before transporting them to hospitals for further treatment. 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 death of Haydn Omand and the critical condition of his younger brother, Daniel, have deeply affected the local community. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Haydn had just purchased his first car, marking a significant milestone in his life.

Family members have described Haydn as having a “great sense of humor” and noted that he was due to start a computing course at TAFE this year. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the boys’ mother, Mary Fenech , a single parent, as she grapples with the unimaginable loss of her son and the fight for her younger son’s recovery.

“Our world was shattered when we lost precious Haydn. Daniel is fighting for his life in hospital, and we are praying for his recovery,” a relative wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“As a family, we’re struggling to come to terms with this unbearable loss. As a single mother, Mary has always been the rock of her family. But now, she’s facing unimaginable grief and financial hardship.”

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

  • The actions of both drivers 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 either vehicle.

Investigators are particularly interested in understanding whether Haydn’s inexperience as a learner driver played a role in the crash. Mandatory testing is being conducted on the driver of the ute to rule out alcohol or drug impairment.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward to assist with their inquiries. Information can be provided via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersnsw.com.au .