A Dubbo police officer has unlocked a 30-year mystery for the family of a teenage crash victim, earning their heartfelt gratitude.
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Elizabeth Jane Sanson, known as Jane, lost her life in 1985 on a country road near Binnaway.
Years later the question of the crash's exact location continued to loom large for her cousin Melissa Worrell.
With the permission of Jane's father Brian Sanson, Ms Worrell appealed to NSW Police but after some months held little hope of uncovering information.
A phone call from Senior Sergeant Jason Bush changed all that, and his efforts found answers for the family.
Ms Worrell was aged 11 when her 16-year-old cousin was killed in the crash.
Jane's devastated parents Brian and Janis could never bring themselves to go to the scene, Ms Worrell said.
As the years passed she would wonder about where the tragedy had happened.
In January she received the phone call from Senior Sergeant Bush who told her he had her letter and would make inquiries, but could not make any promises.
"Straight away I felt a connection, he was just so warm and I could tell he was sincere," Ms Worrell said.
The same day Senior Sergeant Bush rang to say he had made contact with retired Senior Sergeant Mal Unicomb, who would be able to help. Ms Worrell started making plans for a memorial.
On June 29 the family unveiled a memorial cross to honour Jane, with Senior Sergeant Bush also attending.
Ms Worrell has written to the Police Commissioner to commend the officer.
And I truly believe that without his help, we would never have found it.
- Melissa Worrell
"He showed so much sincerity, compassion. Nothing seemed like an issue, we all know how busy they are and for him to take time out to go and do that, just meant so much," she said.
"And I truly believe that without his help, we would never have found it."
Senior Sergeant Bush said the tragedy had struck a chord with him.
He was touched to be invited to the memorial and said he offered support from himself and also on behalf of NSW Police.
The veteran officer issued a road safety message.
"...even though an accident may happen today or tomorrow or yesterday, the residual effect still carries on for other generations," he said.
"It was an honour to assist the family to bring some sort of closure to a tragic incident, even though it was beyond 30 years."
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
