TWICE THE DESPAIR
Mates’ deaths in horror crash rock community
TRIBUTES are flowing for two men killed in a crash near Mareeba with their deaths described as a “dreadful loss to the community”.
Kuranda man Mungalli Sheriff, 21, and Abel Friend, a 28-year-old from Mareeba, were both declared dead at the scene when the vehicle they were travelling in smashed into a tree on Davies Creek Rd early on Sunday morning. Their friend James Hannan, 22, survived the crash with minor injuries and was treated in Cairns Hospital before being discharged yesterday.
Close friends of the pair have taken to social media to mourn their loss with both being remembered as good mates to many.
Mr Sheriff was described as a passionate and talented musician who would frequently attend music festivals around the region.
“You brought so much energy and magic and happiness and comedy wherever you went,” one friend recalled on Facebook.
“You were such a talented musician and artist. A true creative genius.”
Mates of Mr Friend also shared their grief.
“Rest in peace to one of my dearest and oldest friends. I will never forget you and the time we spent growing up together,” one said.
“Can’t believe you are gone, such a good bloke,” another added.
Mareeba Mayor Tom Gilmore described the twin fatalities as a “tragedy”.
“It’s a dreadful, dreadful loss to the community,” he said.
“They will now have no chance to reach their potential in life and this waste of human potential is just something the community cannot afford.
“While the families grieve remember that these young men have lost their lives.”
Police are yet to determine who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash and are also continuing to call for witnesses who may have seen the white 1988 model Toyota LandCruiser (below) in the lead-up.
A witness raised the alarm after coming across the crashed vehicle about 6am on Sunday morning. Police said on Sunday the vehicle had been sighted at both the Emerald Creek area and the Anthill bottleshop at Mareeba the evening before.
They are investigating whether alcohol may have played a factor.