Tributes for man killed in highway accident

A MAN killed in front of his family in a horror crash had only been married for a year when tragedy struck.

Murray Sulman, 49, of Parattah, died when his small car collided with a utility at Mornington on Sunday afternoon.

His wife, Alma, and her two daughters, aged 11 and 13, were also in the car.

Police said all three were taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Mrs Sulman and her daughters are in a stable condition.

Friends have described the Sulmans as a “beautiful family unit”.

“Murray was a gentle, kind human being and had only just married his wife Alma last year. They were a beautiful family unit,“said Clare Dean, who has set up a crowdfunding page for the family.

The collision happened just before 3pm on South Arm Hwy at an intersection with Mornington Rd.

Police said it appeared Mr Sulman was trying to cross the southbound highway lanes from Mornington Rd when his sedan and the ute collided.

Inspector John Ward said while fatal crashes were always tragic, it could be particularly painful this time of year.

“A fatal crash is devastating for their family, their friends, the township . . . long into the future. Coming into Christmas time, I think it makes it especially hard,” he said.

“Unfortunately, it is a stark reminder, we’ve had too many fatal crashes this year.”

The driver of the ute, a 25year-old man from Rokeby, received minor injuries and was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment before being released. No charges have been laid.

Police have called for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

The GoFundMe page set up for the family had raised nearly $3000 by yesterday afternoon.

“As a small tight-knit community we are all deeply shocked with what has happened and there is a lot of uncertainty around what the future now holds for his young family,” said Ms Dean, who is looking to raise $10,000.

“Our hearts go out to their family and we hope we can ease some of the financial burden with our crowdfunding campaign.

“Many people feel helpless at a time like this so being able to contribute in some way helps with the shock of what has happened and also helps a family in need.”

To donate to the family visit https:// www. gofundme. com/ murry-sulmans-family-fund.

patrick.billings@news.com.au