Erica Hoy: Young actress killed in horror car crash in front of boyfriend and twin sister
PORT RIVER, ADELAIDE: Australian actress Erica Hoy died in a multi-person car crash on Tuesday, October 31 after her car was allegedly hit and pushed into the path of oncoming heavy goods vehicles and cars.
The 26-year-old actress along with her boyfriend Mike Reader, 29, and her twin sister Lisa, were heading home after an acting class when the car crash occurred on the Port River Expressway in northwest Adelaide shortly after 9 pm on Tuesday. Their red Toyota Prius was reportedly hit in the back by a Holden Cruze which pushed their vehicle into the path of oncoming heavy vehicles.
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The out-of-control vehicle then collided with an oncoming lorry and struck another car, with five vehicles in total involved in the crash. The impact of the smash left the Prius barely recognizable. The officials confirmed that the actress died at the scene while Reader and Lisa were seriously injured and rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
The woman who was allegedly behind the wheel of a car that caused the crash on Tuesday has been pictured by the authorities. The officials alleged that the suspect, identified as Carlie Eileen Richards, 38, attempted to run away from the scene but was later arrested by the officials. Richards was given a bedside hearing at Adelaide's Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Wednesday after she was deemed mentally unfit to appear in person, according to the Advertiser.
South Australia Police stated, "Witnesses to the crash informed police that the driver of a Holden Cruze involved in the crash, ran from her vehicle and was last seen on Eastern Parade. Police searched the area and located the alleged driver nearby."
Richards has been charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving, three charges of causing harm by dangerous driving, leaving the scene of the accident, and two counts of driving without due care. The suspect is also going to face charges for obstructing police investigation by not providing her personal information.
The death of the young actress has left her father devastated. Paying tribute to her, Grey Hoy said he is grateful that she died with her boyfriend and twin sister. "She was a bright, happy, positive young girl," he told The Advertiser. "I'm glad she didn't pass away alone." The grief-stricken father said she was an all-rounder but that acting was her passion. He also added that she starred as the lead in her school musical, 'Alice in Wonderland'.
The two sisters had moved to Adelaide from Japan six years ago to study and Erica had just starred in a movie web series called 'The Reality of Humanity' that was shown at the Adelaide Film Festival.
Anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage of the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
