A ute that crashed in the early hours of the morning killing four people was being chased after a drug deal gone wrong, a source has claimed.
James Doherty, 41, Benjamin Watego, 47 and Sophie-Lee Fullagar, 24, all died at the scene along with another passenger, when their Mazda BT-50 ute came off the road in Wardell, near Ballina in northern New South Wales, on February 24.
A passing motorist discovered the mangled wreckage on Back Channel Road about 5.45am and called emergency services.
A source close to the victims claims Mr Doherty – who previously dated Ms Fullagar, was a well-known drug dealer in the Bryon region – and that another car was chasing the ute to rob him.
‘I know who they were chased, but I don’t want to say because I don’t want to be involved in the drama,’ the source told Daily Mail .
‘He had drugs and cash on him.’
Sophie-Lee Fullagar (pictured) was among four people who died in the Wardell crash
A source close to the victims claims Mr Doherty (pictured) – who previously dated Ms Fullagar, was a well-known drug dealer in the Bryon region – and that another car was chasing the ute to rob him
Once the vehicle flipped and hit a tree, the source claims the other car sped away.
‘I believe the other car saw what happened but they drove off.
‘After a crash like that they were never going to stop, especially when they were chasing them.’
When Daily Mail asked NSW Police if it is investigating a second party being involved in the crash, a spokesperson said: ‘The matter is being investigated by detectives and a brief of evidence is being prepared for the Coroner.’
There has been an outpouring of grief for the three victims who have been identified.
A friend of Mr Watego wrote: ‘My brother, I’m gonna miss you crazy.
‘You were by my side through the good times, bad and my lowest lows.
Benjamin Watego (pictured) was among the victims of the crash on February 24
The Mazda BT-50 ute that crashed is pictured on the back of a tow truck
‘Love you. Fly high my brother and I’ll see you when we get there. You better be waiting with a rum.’
A friend of Mr Doherty’s wrote: ‘Rip Jim Bob. Love ya mate.
‘Fly high ’til we meet again for a cold one.’
Ms Fullagar has been remembered for her ‘kind heart’ and ‘lovely singing voice’.
‘Rest in paradise beautiful girl, absolutely heartbreaking,’ one friend wrote.
Another said: ‘This is actually devastating! Used to always play and hang out with Sophie when we were in primary school together!’
‘This is devastating I send my deepest condolences.
A friend of Ms Fullagar’s family has created a GoFundMe to help support her loved ones while they grieve.
Ms Fullagar (pictured) has been remembered for her ‘kind heart’ and ‘lovely singing voice’
‘We are reaching out to the community for financial support to help Sophie-Lee’s family during this terrible time. Any help is so gratefully appreciated,’ it read.
‘Sophie had the sweetest nature, the biggest heart and was so strong. She loved to sing and had the most beautiful voice. Her smile and laugh were infectious.
‘Her family, friends and the surrounding community are suffering with the ripple effect of such a terrible loss.’
More than $6,300 has been raised from 81 donors.