Parents of five among four killed in horror Dubbo crash

A married couple have left behind five children after they died in a horror car crash, which also claimed the lives of two teenage friends, in NSW’s central west.

Emergency services were called to the Newell Highway, in Tomingley, about 35km south of Dubbo, about 9.20pm on Friday after two cars collided on the interstate road link.

Lochie Jacobs, 18, and his best friend Joey Urban, 19, were passengers in a Toyota Hilux which collided with a Toyota Hiace van, carrying married couple Sue and Graham Tait.

All four died at the scene.

A 23-year-old man who was driving the ute was taken to Dubbo Hospital with suspected leg injuries.

Mr and Mrs Tait, both 57, leave behind five children aged between 16 and 26.

Mrs Tait’s employer of 17 years, Parkes Early Childhood Centre (PECC), broke the sad news to the community in a post on social media on Sunday.

“Over the weekend, our amazing assistant director Sue Tait and her husband Graham were tragically killed in a head-on collision,” the post read.

“Sue has been working at PECC for 17 years. She was known for being a strong constant backbone of PECC who thoroughly enjoyed coming to work each and everyday!”

“Her husband Graham was a well respected and experienced coach driver.”

Parkes Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee was among those who paid tribute to Ms Tait, who has been remembered by many for her “beautiful soul” and “beaming smile”.

“This was such heartbreaking news. It is hard to believe I will never see her smiling, friendly face again. Thank you Miss Sue and Graham for being part of the positive, reliable, encouraging framework of our community,” Ms Applebee wrote on social media.

“Miss Sue thank you for all your wonderful years of service. Your beaming smile and happy energy will be greatly missed at PECC. Thinking of your beautiful children and families,” another local commented.

“Such devastating news. I don’t think I ever saw Sue without that huge smile on her face. Always such a happy and positive person,” another wrote.

Tributes have also poured in for best friends Joey Urban – an aspiring rodeo bull rider – and Lochie Jacobs – a student at St Stanislaus’ Agricultural College who also ran an agricultural business.

According to a close friend, Mr Jacobs lost his father two years ago.

“I attended your father’s funeral but I never thought I would have to go to your funeral Lochie,” the friend wrote on social media.

“RIP Lochie give your dad the biggest hug he will be so proud of the young man you have grown to be,” another friend wrote.

Meanwhile, Mr Urban, has been remembered by his sister Maddie as “the best brother a sister could ask for”.

“I love you so incredibly much. You will be missed by so many,” she wrote, adding she would “drink a few Tooheys” for him.

A GoFundMe page set up to raise money for Mr Jacobs’ and Mr Urban’s families described the pair as “two great mates who were full of good times, love, and laughter”.

“Their outgoing and vibrant personalities lit up every single room they walked into. You couldn’t help but smile and have a good time when they were around,” the fundraiser reads.

“The passing of these two men has affected so many in the community, and how significantly they will both be missed cannot be accurately expressed in words.”

Over $30,00 has been raised at the time of publication.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to raise funds for the Tait family, which has so far raised $19,000.