Unexpected acceleration while performing a U-turn on a steep incline was cited as one of the contributing factors that could have caused the golf buggy accident that resulted in the death of newly wed Marina Hanna on Hamilton Island two years ago.
Ms Hanna’s husband of 10 days, Robbie Awad was at the wheel on that fateful day in June 2022 and was subsequently charged with driving without due care and attention causing death, pleading not guilty to the charge.
He did, however, plead guilty to failing to wear a seatbelt, failing to ensure a passenger was wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving.
Mr Awad’s hearing took place at Proserpine Court House last week and an ABC Tropical North report stated that Mr Awad had been using his mobile phone earlier whilst driving, but it was back in his pocket at the time of the accident.
The court also heard an account of what unfolded in the minutes surrounding the incident, details of which had previously not been made public.
Mr Awad’s Sydney defence lawyer Phillip Boulten asserted that the accident was largely caused by the buggy accelerating unexpectedly when it was part way through a U-turn on a steep incline.
It was argued that Mr Awad had noticed the buggy was running low on battery and not operating correctly when he decided to turn around so he could return to their accommodation at the island’s five-star qualia resort.
Mid-way through this turn, which was on a hill, the buggy allegedly jolted forward and accelerated, at which point Mr Awad lost control and the vehicle flipped on its side trapping Ms Hanna underneath.
It is understood that she sadly died straight away.
The ABC court report stated that Police prosecutor Sergeant Linden Pollard detailed how the buggy flipped because of the driving speed and the angle of the road.
The court questioned whether Mr Awad could have chosen a safer way to turn the vehicle with Magistrate O’Callaghan ultimately concluding the cause of the accident was downwards topography, gravity and the struggling performance of the gold buggy.
While it was uncovered that there could have been a better way to perform the U-turn, it was decided that unexpected acceleration could likely have caused a similar result.
Mr Awad was found not guilty of driving without due care and attention causing death, but he was fined $3483 for both buggy passengers failing to wear seatbelts and using a mobile phone while driving.
A Hamilton Island spokesperson said: “our deepest thoughts and condolences remain with Robbie Awad and the family and friends of Marina Hanna”.
“The safety and well-being of our guests, residents and employees continues to be our highest priority.”
Robbie Awad and Marina Hanna on their wedding day, just 10 days before Ms Hanna died in a golf buggy accident while they were honeymooning on Hamilton Island. Photo: Facebook
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