Shock twist in the horror quad bike death of 22-year-old woman as her mate, 24, is charged with driving the four-wheeler drunk when he crashed with her on the back
- Aaron Luke Benato was charged after Taylah Pearson’s horror quad bike death
- Mr Benato was allegedly driving the quad bike dangerously and while drunk
- Ms Pearson suffered head injuries when the quad bike she was on flipped in May
- Two young men travelling with Ms Pearson were also charged with drink driving
A friend of a young woman who died when she was thrown from a quad bike has been charged for allegedly driving the vehicle while drunk.
Aaron Luke Benato was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, driving over the alcohol limit and driving an unregistered vehicle on a road after the incident in Mcdesme on the north coast of Queensland in May.
Taylah Pearson suffered severe head injuries when the quad bike she was a passenger on crashed and flipped at a private property on Old Home Hill Road.
The 22-year-old was rushed to Ayr Hospital and later airlifted to Townsville University Hospital, where her family turned off her life support.
Aaron Luke Benato (pictured) has been charged after Taylah Pearson’s horror quad bike death
Ms Pearson (pictured) suffered head injuries when the quad bike she was on flipped in May
Mr Benato appeared in Ayr Magistrates Court on Monday as the alleged driver of the quad bike and will reappear in Townsville Magistrates Court on October 26.
The 24-year-old from Home Hill was good friends with Ms Pearson and was not seriously injured in the accident.
Queensland Police confirmed three quad bikes carrying five people were travelling together when the bike Ms Pearson was on flipped over.
A second driver, 22, was charged with drink driving, not wearing a helmet, driving unregistered and driving uninsured.
A 21-year-old man who was driving the third bike has also been charged with drink driving.
Both will appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on August 17.
Ms Pearson’s death shocked the Burdekin shire community, with many friends posting heartfelt tributes on Facebook.
‘I am so thankful for every memory we had together and I will cherish them forever,’ one woman wrote.
Mr Benato was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, driving over the alcohol limit and driving an unregistered vehicle on a road after the incident in Mcdesme
‘You will always be one of my best friends and I am so glad you were apart of my life. Rest easy Tay. I love you.’
‘Fly high Taylah Pearson. You’re bubbly, happy and cheerful personality will be missed by everyone,’ another wrote.
‘I hope they have plenty of country music playing and beer up there for you.’
Ms Pearson’s family thanked first responders and medical personnel for their help with Taylah after the tragedy.
‘To the men who were with Taylah at the scene — we will be forever grateful for the care you gave to Taylah,’ they told Townsville Bulletin.
‘You gave us the precious gift of time we got to spend with her … this will never be forgotten.’
Ms Pearson’s sister Brytni said her organs had saved the lives of several people.
‘Some of her organs were too damaged but we are happy to say that Taylah has saved a few lives,’ she said. ‘One has her beautiful heart and three have her liver, one being a baby.’
Many tributes were posted online after Ms Pearson’s death. ‘I am so thankful for every memory we had together and I will cherish them forever,’ Ms Pearson’s friend Sarah Newman wrote (pictured right with Ms Pearson)