A driver has now been charged following a fatal single-vehicle crash near South Grafton last August.

About 12.30am on Friday, 29 August 2025, emergency services were called to Bent Street, South Grafton, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District attended and located a vehicle that had crashed into a tree.

The front passenger of the car, a 19-year-old man, was found deceased at the scene.

The driver, a 39-year-old man, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to Gold Coast Hospital in a critical condition.

A crime scene was established by police attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District, and an investigation into the crash commenced.

Following an extensive investigation by the Mid North Coast Crash Investigation Unit, police have charged a 39-year-old man with three offences – dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, negligent driving occasioning death and drive whilst disqualified.

The man is expected to appear at Grafton Local Court on 20 April 2026.