Tragic Accident Claims the Lives of Five International Workers and a Dog
Debbie Markey, a 62-year-old driver, was tragically killed in a catastrophic crash this week while driving four international workers from the JBS Foods abattoir in Cobram.
The group was heading home on Thursday in Strathmerton, near the New South Wales border, when they were hit by a Mercedes driver who allegedly failed to give way, causing Markey’s Nissan Navara to collide with a milk tanker.
All five passengers and the dog were killed instantly, leaving behind grieving families and a community in shock.
Markey is being remembered as a loving mother who found her purpose in looking after foreign nationals.
Her son Daniel described her as “a ridiculously fun energetic person” who “had time for everyone.” Despite facing challenges in her life, Markey always put others first and was known for her kindness and caring nature.
The international workers who lost their lives in the tragic accident were from Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Debbie Markey Cause of Death and Obituary
They had come to Australia to work and support their families back home. Their deaths have left a devastating impact on their loved ones and the wider community.
Friends of Markey have also paid tribute to her, describing her as a very loving person who cared deeply for her family, friends, and animals.
Paul Ukich said that Markey was “a very caring type of person,” while Cindy Pinner added that “she was always there for everybody else cheering everyone else on when she was fighting her own demons, you know.”
Christopher Dylan Joannides, the driver of the Mercedes involved in the crash, has been charged with five counts of dangerous driving causing death. The 27-year-old from Doncaster had been caught speeding about 18km/h over the limit less than an hour before the crash, according to police. He was questioned for 40 minutes before being released with a fine.
However, just three minutes later, he allegedly failed to give way on Murray Valley Highway, causing the fatal collision. The crash is now considered the deadliest in the state since 2012, and Joannides has been granted bail after facing the Shepparton Magistrates Court.
The tragedy has left the families of the victims and the wider community heartbroken, with many calling for greater accountability and measures to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.
The loss of these six lives serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.
As the community mourns their loss, they will never forget the loving mother and the international workers whose lives were cut short in this devastating accident.
Aiva Arthur
