THEY were two brothers who were close, loved their families and were passionate about rugby league and now a horrific crash near Bathurst on Saturday has shattered the lives of their families, friends and the football community in Orange and nearby towns.
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Trent Morgan, 33, was killed in the crash 9km east of Bathurst and his brother Steven, 38, is fighting for his life in Westmead Hospital.
Trent was a passenger in a Mitsubishi Triton being driven by his brother Steven towards Sydney. They were towing a trailer with two greyhounds when police say a Toyota sedan drifted to the wrong side of the road and the vehicles collided head-on.
A truck travelling east behind the Triton tried to take evasive action but hit the utility before veering off into a paddock.
Three people in the Toyota sedan, a husband and wife, 73, from Kelso and a 95-year-old rear-seat passenger were killed instantly.
Steven Morgan had to be cut from the vehicle by emergency services workers and was flown by helicopter to Westmead Hospital. Late yesterday he was in a critical but stable condition in an induced coma with head injuries.
The driver of the truck was taken to Bathurst Base Hospital suffering shock.
News of the Morgan brothers’ involvement in the crash spread quickly around Orange and surrounding villages at the weekend leaving family and friends shattered.
Just 24 hours earlier Orange Hawks Rugby League Football Club president John Hill was catching up with the popular brothers at a race meeting at Towac Park.
“They were their usual happy selves having a good time and their landscaping business was going well,” he said.
“They were both such committed players and fantastic clubmen.
“I just can’t believe what has happened - it is devastating.
“The Hawks want to do everything they possibly can to support the family and of course Steven who is so badly injured.
“Our sympathy and condolences go out to the Morgan family.”
Wayne Mullins, who was involved with the Morgan brothers during their many years with the Manildra club, said everyone who knew them was shocked.
“Everyone out this way just wants to extend their condolences to the family at this terrible time,” he said.
One of the greyhounds in the trailer was killed instantly and the second dog died at the roadside.
Police have discounted rumours one of the vehicles swerved to avoid a dog.
The brothers played for several rugby league clubs in and around the Orange district, including Hawks and Orange CYMS.
Funeral details are yet to be released.
Bathurst police are calling for any witnesses to the crash to contact Chifley command or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
