A woman injured in a head-on crash in northern Tasmania after an alleged domestic violence incident has died in hospital, as police continue investigating the events that unfolded on Friday afternoon.
Tasmania Police confirmed on Sunday night that the 39-year-old woman from Winkleigh succumbed to her injuries after her vehicle was struck on the West Tamar Highway at Legana.
Police allege the collision occurred shortly after a man fled a home in Exeter, where a woman known to him had sustained multiple serious stab wounds.
The man, aged 42 and from Western Australia, died at the scene of the crash. The woman injured in the alleged stabbing remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
According to police, emergency services were first called to a residential address in Exeter about 4.30pm on Friday following reports of a serious assault. Investigators believe the man then left the property in a vehicle before becoming involved in the fatal collision roughly 10 minutes later.
The victim of the crash was a mum and a career nurse. More than $80,000 has been raised in an online fundraiser to support her family in the aftermath.
According to the fundraiser, she was driving home from work when a man “deliberately drove straight into” her vehicle.
It said the woman was a loving wife, and mum to two boys, aged 6 and 10, and had worked at the hospital for 20 years.
“What was supposed to be [her] 40th birthday will now be her funeral, to say [her] family and friends are devastated beyond words is an understatement,” the fundraiser page noted.
“She has left behind a legacy of genuine care and relentless advocacy, and our community is forever better for her commitment to people in need.”
The death means two women’s lives have been irrevocably changed by the same alleged act of violence — one has died, while another continues to recover from serious injuries.
Tasmania Police said investigations remain ongoing and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
The tragedy comes amid a continuing national crisis of violence against women, with advocates repeatedly calling for greater investment in prevention, early intervention and supports for victim-survivors.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or via its online services.