EXCLUSIVE: ‘Innocent’ Driver Who Caused Devastating Crash That Killed Two Women, Including Hero Cop, Faces $100,000 Lawsuit from Traumatized First Responder
- A first responder is seeking $100,000 in damages from Harrison Kitt, who was found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving due to mental incompetence.
- Kitt’s car crashed into two vehicles on Anzac Day 2020, killing decorated Detective Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan and mother-of-two Tania McNeill.
- The first responder, Jacqueline Ross, claims she suffers from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a panic disorder as a result of Kitt’s negligence.
- Kitt was behind the wheel of the car that sped through a busy intersection at 160 km/h, running a red light while on the wrong side of the road.
The devastating crash on Anzac Day 2020 will forever be etched in the memories of those who responded to the tragic incident.
Harrison Kitt, the driver who caused the crash that killed two women, including decorated South Australian Police Detective Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan, is now facing a $100,000 civil lawsuit from one of the first responders who attended the scene.
Jacqueline Ross, who was among the first to arrive at the crash site, is seeking damages from Kitt, alleging that she continues to suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a panic disorder as a result of what she describes as Kitt’s negligence that day.
Ross claims that the trauma has limited her ability to carry out domestic tasks, participate in social and recreational activities, and has caused a loss of income and earning capacity.
The crash occurred when Kitt’s car sped through the busy Fullarton and Cross Rd intersection at Urrbrae at 160 km/h, running a red light while on the wrong side of the road.
The car became airborne before slamming into Shanahan’s Holden and McNeill’s BMW, killing both women instantly.
The court heard that Kitt was in the grip of a psychotic episode at the time, marked by grandiose and bizarre delusions, and was experiencing his first severe manic episode as a result of his bipolar disorder.
Kitt was placed under strict mental-health and parole-board supervision, ordered to live with his parents, and banned from driving for 10 years. Despite this, he walked free from court, having been found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving due to mental incompetence.
The civil action comes almost six years after Kitt’s acquittal, and is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of his actions.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
This case raises serious questions about the mental health of drivers on our roads and the impact of their actions on innocent lives. The fact that Kitt was able to walk free from court despite causing the deaths of two women is a concern for many.
The lawsuit brought by Ross is a testament to the ongoing trauma and suffering experienced by those affected by Kitt’s actions.
It is imperative that we take a closer look at our laws and policies to ensure that those who cause harm to others are held accountable, and that victims receive the justice they deserve.
Security analysts say that this case highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues among drivers.
“The fact that Kitt was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time of the crash is a stark reminder of the importance of identifying and addressing mental health issues before they lead to devastating consequences,” said one expert.
The case is set to return to court in June, and will likely spark a renewed debate about the need for stricter laws and greater accountability for those who cause harm to others on our roads.
