Tragedy as storm-chasing Australian photographer and father to a baby girl dies after a freak accident in the US
- Dale Sharpe, 36, was driving on a highway near Harper in south of Kansas
- He hit a deer, pulled over and stood in a nearby ditch to side of the dark road
- Another car swerved to avoid crashing into the car – but hit Mr Sharpe
- Paramedics treated him at the scene and rushed him to hospital but he died
An Australian storm-chasing photographer has died after being hit by a car in the United States.
Dale Sharpe, 36, was driving on a highway near Harper in the south of Kansas when he hit a deer shortly after midnight on Thursday morning.
Sharpe, father to a baby girl named Mia who was born in September, pulled over when his car started billowing smoke and stood in a nearby ditch.
Dale Sharpe, 36, was driving on a highway near Harper in the south of Kansas when he hit a deer shortly after midnight on Thursday morning.
The car was in the southbound lane but facing north, making it seem that it was driving on the wrong side of the road.
Another car swerved to avoid crashing – but drove into the ditch and hit Mr Sharpe.
Paramedics treated him at the scene and rushed him to hospital but he died at 2.14am.
The driver who hit him, 45-year-old Ronald Pinkston, was not harmed.
Police said Pinkston was driving legally and will not be charged.
‘It appears he was in his lane, tried to make an avoidance to get out of the way for a potentially on-coming vehicle,’ a Highway Patrol spokesman said.
Sharpe leaves his baby daughter and wife Karlie Russell with whom he ran their DK Photography business.
The pair, from the Gold Coast, married two years ago and since travelled the world pursuing incredible photos of nature.
When Mia was born last year, Mr Sharpe posted on Facebook, saying: ‘Never have I witnessed anything as beautiful as her. We’ve never been so happy’.
His sudden death has left friends, family and fans devastated.
‘An incredible and inspirational photographer, gone too soon,’ one fan said.
Mr Sharpe took this picture in Perico, Texas and shared it on his company’s Instagram page
‘Dale was such an inspiration, the shots he produced were pure perfection, one of the best landscape photographers we had on our recent times,’ another added.
The company posted on Instagram explaining the crash to its 131,000 followers.
The post read: ‘It’s with the deepest regret that we inform our supporters & friends that Dale Sharpe passed away in Kansas in the United States on the 20 June, 2019.
‘Dale was driving on Highway 2 north east of Harper where he struck a deer.
‘Dale’s vehicle was disabled on the road and he sought safety calling for assistance.
Dale was such an inspiration, his shots were pure perfection
‘The vehicle started to billow smoke from the engine bay and Dale sought refuge on the side of the road.
‘A passing motorist avoided colliding with the stranded vehicle at the last moment by leaving the road.
‘Dale ran for cover into a ditch, however it’s understood the same oncoming vehicle sought refuge in the same direction simultaneously and he was subsequently struck.
‘He was treated by health care professionals on scene and in hospital, however passed away at 2.14am.
‘Dale was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
‘On behalf of the family we thank you for all your support, but ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.’
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for Mr Sharpe’s family.
This image taken in McAllastar, Kansas was posted on Mr Sharpe’s Instagram page on Wednesday before he died