NSW: Heavy metaller charged over crash that killed band mates

AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-2008
NSW: Heavy metaller charged over crash that killed band mates

SYDNEY, April 18 AAP - The bass player of Victorian heavy metal outfit The Red Shore
is facing court charges over a bus crash that killed two of his band mates late last year,
NSW police say.

The band's minibus left the Pacific Highway and slammed into a tree at Moonee Beach,
near Coffs Harbour, in NSW, about 7am (AEDT) on December 19.

The band's 27-year-old lead singer, Damien Morris, died at the scene.

Andy Milner, the band's 22-year-old merchandiser, died in hospital after being trapped
in the wreck for an hour.

Six others, all men aged between 19 and 26, suffered non-life threatening injuries
in the single vehicle crash and were taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital.

The Geelong-based band had been attempting the 1,000km journey to Sydney for a gig
after playing the night before in Brisbane.

Bass player Jamie Hope, 21, was allegedly at the wheel at the time of the crash.

A NSW police spokesman said the Geelong man had been summonsed to Coffs Harbour Local
Court on August 4.

He will face two counts of negligent driving causing death and three counts of negligent
driving causing grievous bodily harm.

The charges come as The Red Shore gear up for a 24-show national tour starting on May
22 in Adelaide with Hope filling in on vocals.

AAP sk/hn/jt/bwl

KEYWORD: TOLL NSW BAND

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