Community mourns loss of ‘champion bloke’ in crash

Gunnedah is mourning the tragic death of prominent local businessman and “champion bloke” Stuart Grosser.

The GBP Cranes and Heavy Haulage managing director was involved in a vehicle crash last Friday. NSW Police are investigating whether the 69-year-old suffered a medical episode in the moments prior.

GBP general manager Damien Roman said Mr Grosser was respected by many for his “old fashion morals” and humble attitude.

“Everyone wanted to work for him,” Mr Roman said.

“He always had time for his staff.

“He will be missed by many.”

The father of four was described as “a real gentleman” who led by example at the same Gunnedah workplace where he started his career 50 years earlier.

The loss was expected to be felt by the entire team – many who have not known leadership under anyone else.

“A lot them have only worked for Stu – they’ve spent their entire working life under him,” he said.

“He will never be forgotten.”

In recent months GBP staff celebrated Mr Grosser’s career milestone – half-a-century since completing his “fitting and fabrication” trade certificate at GBP.

Mr Grosser reflected on the industry changes over the years and encouraged recent school leavers in Gunnedah to consider a trade in their hometown.

“It is still worth having a trade behind you,” he said.

NSW Police said the crash occurred about 10.30am on Friday, February 9, when a motorist travelling on the Oxley Highway on the outskirts of Gunnedah left the highway and collided with a tree.

A passing motorist stopped to render assistance and contacted emergency services.

Rural Fire Service and NSW Ambulance attended and provided CPR however the 69-year-old man was pronounced deceased.

Gunnedah Police are investigating if the man suffered a medical episode prior to the vehicle leaving the highway and are preparing a report for the coroner. Anyone with information, including dashcam, are asked to call Gunnedah Police or Crime Stoppers.

In a tragic weekend on the region’s roads, a motorcyclist was killed on Saturday in a separate crash on Premer Road near Tambar Springs.

Just after 12.50pm emergency services were called to reports of a single motorcycle crash.

On arrival, officers attached to Oxley Police District located a body of 61-year-old man. Police were told that the man allegedly collided with a wire fence and was ejected from the motorcycle before he died at the scene. It was believed that a white ute was in the vicinity at the time of incident.

A crime scene was established and an investigation started into the circumstances of this incident.

Later that evening, at about 6.50pm, three people were killed following a two-vehicle collision on the New England Highway at Armidale.

Police officers attached to New England Police District located a black Holden SUV and a silver Mazda SUV, both damaged due to a head on collision. The driver of the Holden, a 27-year-old man and his passenger, a 27-year-old woman, died at the scene. The driver of the Mazda, a 41-year-old man, also died at the scene. NSW Police said while the causes of these tragic incidents were still under investigation, motorists should take care by driving to the conditions; taking regular breaks and don’t drive when fatigued; do not drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, including some prescription drugs; do not speed and do not use mobile devices while driving.