Tragedy Strikes Albany: Father Charged with Careless Driving After Fatal Crash That Killed His Beloved Wife
- Haydn Mansell, 40, faces careless driving charges after a crash that killed his 29-year-old wife, Cailee, near Albany.
- The devastating incident sparked an outpouring of community support, with over $140,000 raised for the grieving family.
- Mr. Mansell, a school principal, will appear in court on November 20 to face the charges.
In a heartbreaking development, Haydn Mansell, the principal of Albany Secondary Education Support Centre, has been charged with careless driving following a fatal crash that claimed the life of his wife, Cailee, near Albany in July. The 40-year-old father of three is accused of driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, leading to the tragic collision.
The incident occurred at a level crossing without boom gates on Redmond-Hay River Road, where Mansell’s Mitsubishi Triton collided with a CBH grain train. Cailee, who was in the passenger seat, sadly died at the scene from her injuries. Mansell and three children in the car were taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Two men on board the train were treated for shock.
The community was left reeling from the tragedy, with those who knew Cailee describing her as “the most beautiful soul to walk the earth”. A fundraising campaign was set up to support the grieving family, with an overwhelming response that saw over $140,000 raised.
The incident has also sparked renewed calls for improvements to rail safety at regional level crossings, with one local resident describing the Redmond crossing as “horrible”. Mansell is set to appear in court on November 20 to face the charges.
In a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of careless driving, this tragic incident serves as a warning to all motorists to exercise extreme caution on our roads. As the community continues to mourn the loss of Cailee, her loved ones will be hoping for justice to be served.