The driver of a BMW that crashed into another car on Christmas Day, killing an 18-year-old girl and her mother, has been identified as Mark Veneris, 46 (pictured)
The driver of a BMW that crashed into another car on Christmas Day, killing an 18-year-old girl and her mother, has been identified as Mark Veneris, 46.
Makayla Tritton, 18, and her mother Karin, 56, died after their car – laden with presents on its way to a Christmas lunch in Brisbane – was hit by Mr Veneris’ vehicle.
Makayla’s sister Tarmeka, 23, and father Laurence, 56, are still in hospital in a serious condition after the head-on collision.
Mr Veneris was heading to a holiday gathering at his mother’s house around the corner when he crossed the median strip on Manly Road.
Mr Veneris, who has struggled with his father’s death earlier this year, is expected to make a full recovery.
The 46-year-old reportedly tried to check himself out of hospital after he awoke and didn’t remember the crash.
Police said on Tuesday he had been charged with two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and other charges.
Makayla Tritton, 18, and her mother Karin, 56, died after their car – laden with presents on its way to a Christmas lunch in Brisbane – was hit by Mr Veneris’ vehicle (pictured is Makayla Tritton)
Makayla’s sister Tarmeka, 23, and father Laurence, 56, are still in hospital in a serious condition after the head-on collision (pictured)
Mourners have left flowers at the scene of the crash.
‘Makayla was the golden child to all of us here and always will be. We loved her with all our hearts and always will,’ said a spokesperson from Strathpine Hyperbowl.
‘As for Karin she was no different. Never a dull moment one way or the other as was the Tritton family in whole.’
The 18-year-old worked at the bowling alley, and both her and her mother were members of the tenpin bowling community in the area.
Makayla (pictured) worked at the bowling alley, and both her and her mother were members of the tenpin bowling community in the area
Mourners have left flowers at the scene of the crash, which police claim was caused when a BMW crossed the median strip (pictured is a Facebook tribute)
The 46-year-old reportedly tried to check himself out of hospital after he awoke and didn’t remember the crash
Others posted moving tributes on social media, many expressing their disbelief that such a tragedy could strike on Christmas.
‘I’m glad bowling gave me a friend for life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You will be missed by so many people Maka you have no idea,’ wrote one friend.
‘It is supposed to be one of the happiest times of the year but the devastating news today has left us and so many brokenhearted and in tears,’ said another.
‘Makayla Tritton and Karin Tritton you were like family to us and to so many in the bowling community.’
‘Rest In Peace Makayla Tritton, heaven gained two more angels way too soon, such a loving, beautiful girl with such a bright future ahead of you,’ said another friend.
The 18-year-old (pictured) worked at the bowling alley, and both her and her mother were members of the tenpin bowling community in the area
Others posted moving tributes on social media, many expressing their disbelief that such a tragedy could strike on Christmas (pictured above)
Police officers, among them some of those who arrived on the scene, added their condolences.
‘As a wife and parent outside of being a police officer it was very, very difficult when we were doing CPR on the deceased,’ said Senior Sergeant Lukia Serafim.
‘It does affect police in a way that we do take it home and I really reach out to the father and offer our condolences.’
Police officers, among them some of those who arrived on the scene, added their condolences (pictured is the crash scene)
Officers cried at the scene of a collision so violent two of the family members needed to be cut out of the wreckage.
Police on the scene spoke to relatives who had called mobile phones belonging to the family, wanting to know why they were late.
The tragedy brought the number of people who have lost their lives on the roads during Operation Safe Arrival, running between December 15th and New Year’s Eve, to 17.
The driver and sole occupant of the second car, a 46-year-old man from Capalaba, is also expected to make a full recovery (pictured is the scene of the crash)
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