Harrowing details emerge about the groom fighting for life after his minibus rolled SEVEN times down an embankment on his wedding day in the Hunter Valley
John Barrett, 56, was just hours away from marrying the love of his life when the minibus he was travelling in with his groomsmen lost control and rolled seven times down an embankment at Mount View, in the NSW Hunter Valley, on Wednesday.
He was trapped in the wreckage for almost an hour before being freed and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
A second man who suffered head injuries was also airlifted to the same hospital in a critical condition.
Four other men on board, including the driver, suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital in a stable condition.
Mr Barrett was minutes away from Bistro Molines at the Tallavera Grove vineyard, where he planned to get ready for the midweek nuptials to his partner Michelle Murphy, with whom he welcomed a baby girl three years ago.
The couple were recently rocked by Mr Barrett's diagnosis with MND, a debilitating disease that robs people of their ability to move, speak and eventually breathe.
Survival time varies, but the average life expectancy is two to three years from diagnosis.
Despite the devastating setback, Mr Barrett vowed to raise funds to help find a cure.
'While we are adjusting to this unfamiliar journey together, John was quite clear that he wanted to do what he could to raise funds in support of Professor Dominic Rowe and his team at Macquarie University,' a fundraiser set up by the family states.
'Your contribution can make a difference, and help shape a better future and give hope to those living with MND.'
A talented cricketer, Mr Barrett was also a much-loved member of the Newcastle Hunter Districts Veterans Club and had represented the region and NSW on numerous occasions.
'John has been an incredible teammate and friend, an opening bowler with unmatched grit, a sharp fielder, and a handy lower-order batsman,' the club posted last month.
It's understood Mr Barrett showed the first signs of MND while representing NSW Veterans at the national championships in Adelaide in 2022.
'Despite this, John continued to inspire with his determination and positivity,' the club continued.
'Johnny, you're a great man, and we're all standing beside you, mate. You got this, buddy - let's all get behind JB and do this!'
Investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
Wedding guests who were following behind the minibus witnessed the crash.
The minibus driver has undergone mandatory blood and alcohol testing.
Investigators will examine whether unsealed road conditions, the wet weather and seatbelt use were contributing factors.
'It is a tragic situation and we're very fortunate that the injuries weren't fatal. It definitely could have been worse,' Superintendent Steve Laksa said.
'We're very fortunate that the injuries weren't fatal. It definitely could've been worse.'
The crash comes two years after a bus packed with wedding guests overturned and crashed in nearby Greta, killing 10 and injuring another 25.
Bus driver Brett Button, 59, was charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving.
He was jailed for a minimum of 24 years over the tragedy.
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Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
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The seizures were so continuous that doctors even discussed the possibility of putting her into an induced coma if they couldn't be brought under control. 'I don't remember being in ICU at all, but I was told sometimes I would just stare at people and couldn't speak,' Tiana said. 'People would come in and I wouldn't remember them - I didn't even recognise my own dad. 'I thought I was losing my mind, literally.' Numerous medical observations, tests and even lumbar punctures were performed to try and ascertain what was going on. 'Nothing was showing up, it was very frustrating', Tiana said. Eventually with the aid of epilepsy medication, Tiana was moved to a ward where she would re-learn simple activities like how to speak, walk and write. Various epilepsy treatments and medications were trailed to get Tiana's seizures under control. However one that stood out for her was an IVIG plasma infusion. 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Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Aussie grandmother who slipped in Woolies unleashes on supermarket
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