Former AFL player Shannon Cox admits killing women in car crash near Cataby in WA’s Wheatbelt…
Former AFL player Shannon Cox has admitted to killing a woman in a fatal car crash near Cataby in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region. The ex-Collingwood defender pleaded guilty to charges relating to the crash, which occurred in November 2022.
The incident took place on the Brand Highway, about 170 kilometers north of Perth. Cox was driving when his vehicle collided with another car, killing a 66-year-old woman at the scene. Reports indicate that Cox lost control of his vehicle before veering onto the wrong side of the road, resulting in the deadly crash.
During a court appearance, Cox pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing death. Prosecutors revealed that excessive speed and reckless driving were factors in the crash. While further details about his driving behavior before the crash were not disclosed in court, police reports suggested he had been traveling at high speeds.
Cox, who played 25 games for Collingwood between 2007 and 2009, had since returned to Western Australia after his AFL career. Following his retirement from professional football, he had stayed involved in local sports and community activities.
The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly due to Cox’s past as an elite athlete. The victim’s family has expressed their grief, calling for tougher penalties for reckless drivers. Cox is set to be sentenced later this year, with the court considering the severity of the offense and his personal circumstances.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving, with authorities urging motorists to take greater care on regional roads to prevent further loss of life.