'Heartbroken': Tim Mannah's devastating link to crash that killed four kids
Tim Mannah has taken to social media with an emotional tribute to his cousin - the father of three children killed in a devastating accident in Sydney’s north-west.
Samuel William Davidson, 29, was allegedly three times the legal blood alcohol limit on Saturday night when his ute hit and killed four children.
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Abdallah siblings Sienna, 8, Angelina, 12, and Antony, 13, died at the scene in Oatlands alongside cousin Veronique Sakr, 11.
Mannah, a former Parramatta Eels star, has expressed his devastation for the children’s parents - cousin Danny Abdallah and his wife Leila Geagea.
“Heartbroken. Still trying to comprehend it all,” Mannah posted on Instagram on Monday.
“I have looked up to my cousin Danny since I was a kid. I’ve always admired his huge heart for others and especially his children.
“His wife, Leila, is an actual hero. She raises six kids with ease and grace. Her life revolves around them.
“And just like that, they’ve lost three children.
“Can’t imagine what pain they must be feeling right now, but my admiration for them has gone to a new level. They live out their faith and it inspires everyone around them.
“Antony, Angelina and Sienna may not have lived long lives on earth, but their impact will echo into eternity. Psalm 34:18.”
Mother 'forgives' driver after fatal crash
On Monday Leila said she forgave Davidson as she visited the scene of the tragedy.
"I think in my heart I forgive him. But I want the court to be fair. I'm not going to hate him because that's not who we are," she told reporters.
"It feels very unreal. I feel like I'm still waiting for them to come home."
Danny pleaded with drivers to be more careful as he came to grips with the loss of three of his six children.
"I don't know what to say. I'm numb, probably that's what I feel at the moment. All I want to say is please, drivers, be careful," he said.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Oatlands crash site on Monday night to lay flowers and show support for the grieving families.
The fatal crash has sparked a renewed push for a road rules overhaul in NSW.
Sydney University professor David Levinson says the NSW government should look at lower residential speed limits and tougher drink-driving penalties.
"We need a more serious response to driving under the influence. It's not taken seriously enough in our society," Prof Levinson told AAP on Monday.
"Speed limits are also relatively high. If you hit someone at a high speed you do more damage and are more likely to kill them."
Pedestrian Council of Australia chief executive Harold Scruby told AAP on Monday there should be no tolerance for drink-driving.
"Why are all other drugs prohibited but we have a tolerance for alcohol?" he said.
"What we want is zero drinking. No drink or driving at all. This is a wake-up call."
The four children were going for ice cream at the time of the crash.
An 11-year-old boy has been put into an induced coma and remains in a stable condition at The Children's Hospital in Westmead.
Two girls, aged 10 and 13, were treated by paramedics at the scene and are in a stable condition.
Davidson was arrested after returning a positive roadside breath test result and allegedly recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.15.
He has been charged with 20 offences including four counts of manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm, negligent driving and drink-driving.
He'll next appear in court in April.
with AAP
