The man killed in a single-vehicle crash on Hinterland Way, St Helena, in the early hours of Sunday morning (24 February) has been identified as local identity Ian Oelrichs OAM.
Ian was a landscape architect with more than 40 years experience and ran a private investment firm that has concentrated on ecologically sustainable development.
Ian also devoted time pro bono to local NGOs including the Northern Rivers Design Advisory Panel and Sourdough Think Tank.
His wife and son were on a flight returning from volunteer work in Indonesia at the time of the accident.
According to family members Ian had symptoms of a stroke and lost control of his speech and the left side of his body. He tried to call an ambulance but he was unable to make it clear that he needed assistance so tried to drive himself to hospital.
Just before 3.15am emergency services were called, after passing motorists found Ian unresponsive in his car, which had left the road and hit a tree.
Officers from Tweed/Byron police district attended, and as inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue, anyone with information is urged to come forward. You can contact the Tweed/Byron police on 6685 9499.
Vale Big O.
For many, many years, a treasured client, patron, mentor, colleague, artist, altruist, visionary, warrior and friend…
You will be missed.
RIP Ian,
We were so sad and sorry to hear of Ian’s death. Far too soon for such a fantastic, generous man. In fact a renaissance man in every sense of the word. Much love and condolences to Claire and family.
JILL and Allan Cowley