Phuket Road Victim Identified As Aussie Model

[webfact]

Phuket road victim identified as Aussie model

Phuket Gazette

Lana O'Connell with long-term partner Ken Trivett. Photo: Facebook

PHUKET: -- The young woman who died in a motorbike accident in Phuket early on Saturday morning has been identified as Lana O’Connell, a successful young model from the Gold Coast, Australia.

Miss O’Connell was riding a motorbike along Patak Road toward Chalong Circle with her long-term partner Kenneth Trivett at about 3:30am when they struck a motorbike with sidecar.

Mr Trivett was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hosiptal. He suffered minor injuries and has since been discharged, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

Miss O’Connell’s family are still coming to terms with her death.

“Lana loved her life, loved her family and all her friends and special people in her life. She had so many dreams and aspirations. She was beautiful inside as well as outside. She will be missed,” her mother, Marilyn, posted on Facebook.

Mrs O’Connell’s expressions of grief brought condolences from friends and family.

“We are thinking of you in this time of sorrow. Lana was a beautiful person, she will be sadly missed,” said Eve Soutter.

“Absolutely devastated with the tragic news. So young, so beautiful and without doubt a woman who was going places. I really can’t express how sad and sorry I am,” added Len Whitehead.

Miss O’Connell, who studied at Griffith University and worked at Jupiters Hotel & Casino, also had a promising career as a model.

“I have worked with her a few times and she was always so professional and one of the girls who was really earmarked to go far,” said Glamorous Life swimwear designer Joanne Rahn.

“She was selected for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and was always pushed forward for media. I have really fond memories of working with her,” she added.

Source: http://www.phuketgaz...ticle12436.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2012-02-28

[LivinginKata]

Sad, what a waste of a successful life. May she rest in peace.

[steelepulse]

I'd like to know if they ever followed up with the salaeng that may or may not have been parked illegally that was struck. Quite often these illegal vehicles don't have sufficient lighting, if they have lighting at all.

[anon10]

Did she wear a helmet?

[BookMan]

NOT wearing a helmet apparently. And possibly alcohol involved. See this story from an Australian newspaper.

http://www.smh.com.au/world/only-the-good-die-young-tragedy-of-model-lana-20120229-1u1mh.html

[BookMan]

Strong possibility BF and her didn't have travel insurance either. Donations in his home town being asked for to bring him and her back.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/02/29/395281_gold-coast-news.html

[JMG]

I'd like to know if they ever followed up with the salaeng that may or may not have been parked illegally that was struck. Quite often these illegal vehicles don't have sufficient lighting, if they have lighting at all.

Such senseless loss of life could be avoided if only Phuket officials practiced safety process applied in other major holiday destinations around the world. Clearly Phuket officials need to ensure police enforce safety standards through vehicle compliance and operator usage. Unsafe, unregistered vehicles are driven by food vendors anywhere anytime and parked anywhere. If Phuket officials are not prepared to adopt the sane safety standards which are applied elsewhere and certainly in BKK they should at least conduct a campaign at Phuket airport advising tourists of the dangers and death statistics associated with motor bike accidents in Phuket and therefore recommend that tourists consider using taxis or car hire. The problem lies with Phuket officials and not with the police, public or tourists.

[bob4you]

Why someone who "loves life" rides in alcohol influenced state and not wearing a helmet. That is someone who loves to risk their life and doesn't love it enough to protect it properly.

[TaoNow]

I agree with bob4you.

If you travel in a foreign country, you need to take care of yourself and not depend on the local authorities to prevent accidents if you take risks -- for example, driving around at 3:30 a.m on a motocycle.

That said, RIP for the victim.

But word to the wise for the rest of you.

[Asianrider]

Why someone who "loves life" rides in alcohol influenced state and not wearing a helmet. That is someone who loves to risk their life and doesn't love it enough to protect it properly.

Condolences to family, hope others learn from their mistakes ...

[wotaplonker]

another all too familiar sad loss in Phuket, i suspect ill get flamed etc by the living

life to the full brigade but the simple fact is it's madness for a farang to drive

a motorbike in Thailand,

[alanferdi]

Sad, what a waste of a successful life. May she rest in peace.

Thats true it is a waste of life. Thais do not believe in Life. They are scared dead of spirits and live like the walking dead. Take a Thai driving license.... they only expect you to hold breaks and judge distances..... the rest of the driving school is for the "dogs" they have no clue to markings on the road. Signals and the use of mirrors. They havent a clue of speed.The law is not implemented. Police act as referees and charity fund raisers during lunch hours, closing their eyes to all the fiasco on the road. I would suggest that the govt discourage foreigners from driving here in Thailand!..... and the tourist dept to encourage them to take the bus or train. The rest of what moves on the road on two wheels do so as a death trap or a Jaba transport. NO LIGHTS, NO HELMETS, NO BRAINs-really, riding a bike with child in front, holding the handle bar with one hand and a phone in the left. If that is considered experienced driver. NO CONTROL. - AMAZING THAILAND. I have constantly written here. Why dont the police stand at their post and traffic lights at the morning rush hour before school starts. Most of the school children are underage riders with no helmets. THE NEXT GENERATION OF THAILAND.

The best I have heard is - if the farang was not here there would be no accidents!!! Oh Sure! I believe that... the road would be full of drifters and circus artist and the vehicles lite up like a christmas tree.

Edited February 29, 2012 by alanferdi

[haveaniceday]

Very sad. So to rub it in, in Thailand does this poor chap get slammed into the monkey house, the article is already indicting he slammed into the other vehicle?

[alanferdi]

I'd like to know if they ever followed up with the salaeng that may or may not have been parked illegally that was struck. Quite often these illegal vehicles don't have sufficient lighting, if they have lighting at all.

Such senseless loss of life could be avoided if only Phuket officials practiced safety process applied in other major holiday destinations around the world. Clearly Phuket officials need to ensure police enforce safety standards through vehicle compliance and operator usage. Unsafe, unregistered vehicles are driven by food vendors anywhere anytime and parked anywhere. If Phuket officials are not prepared to adopt the sane safety standards which are applied elsewhere and certainly in BKK they should at least conduct a campaign at Phuket airport advising tourists of the dangers and death statistics associated with motor bike accidents in Phuket and therefore recommend that tourists consider using taxis or car hire. The problem lies with Phuket officials and not with the police, public or tourists.

YES I believe the Tourism Department should discourage foreigners from driving in Thailand... The roads are full of clowns, trapeze artists and circus people. - Amazing Thailand! The police or officials blind folded or slow in acting. These side cars are death traps.

Edited February 29, 2012 by alanferdi

[jonnog]

what is it about Phuket? Loads of farangs are dying, killing or involved in something...

[anterian]

Young people always think death is something that happens to others, I shudder to think of the stupid risks I took at that age, I was lucky, some are not.

[palace15]

Yet another case of no crash helmet, I ride all year round in the UK so it is fair to say I am into motorcycles, Whenever I travel to Thailand and also in a couple of weeks to India, I will, as usual take my own helmet.

I had taught to me the importance of crash helmets the hard way, my father was killed when I was 5.5years old on a bike with no helmet.

Thais often get a 'bashing' over riding skills etc, but I would rather be on the road with Thai riders than many of the tourists, I am sure that many have possibly never ridden a pushbike , let alone a motorcycle.

Any death is tragic, but please don't increase the chances by not wearing an helmet, even if you think you don't look 'cool'.

[Gweiloman]

Sad, what a waste of a successful life. May she rest in peace.

Thats true it is a waste of life. Thais do not believe in Life. They are scared dead of spirits and live like the walking dead. Take a Thai driving license.... they only expect you to hold breaks and judge distances..... the rest of the driving school is for the "dogs" they have no clue to markings on the road. Signals and the use of mirrors. They havent a clue of speed.The law is not implemented. Police act as referees and charity fund raisers during lunch hours, closing their eyes to all the fiasco on the road. I would suggest that the govt discourage foreigners from driving here in Thailand!..... and the tourist dept to encourage them to take the bus or train. The rest of what moves on the road on two wheels do so as a death trap or a Jaba transport. NO LIGHTS, NO HELMETS, NO BRAINs-really, riding a bike with child in front, holding the handle bar with one hand and a phone in the left. If that is considered experienced driver. NO CONTROL. - AMAZING THAILAND. I have constantly written here. Why dont the police stand at their post and traffic lights at the morning rush hour before school starts. Most of the school children are underage riders with no helmets. THE NEXT GENERATION OF THAILAND.

The best I have heard is - if the farang was not here there would be no accidents!!! Oh Sure! I believe that... the road would be full of drifters and circus artist and the vehicles lite up like a christmas tree.

If you want to rant, at least be factually accurate. The Aussie couple ran into the sidecar. Illegally parked or not, if one is NOT driving under the influence of alcohol, and NOT speeding, one WOULD NOT run into a parked vehicle.

Don't blame Thais for everything.

[luckyman]

I am actually very surprised because of the relatively low number of farang traffic deaths, given the state of the roads, capability of Thai drivers and the fact that many of us do drive while under a little influence, at least more than we would in our home countries!

This, because you know that at a road block, if you are not too pissed of course, you can get off with paying 200 or 500 baht and drive on, the police officers actully are quite nice in Thailand, when they stop you, and you can speak Thai a bit, they almost never get angry no matter what the offense.

I've seen road blocks for alcohol control, in Hua Hin and Cha'am and usually late at night, where several police officers were a bit drunk themselves.

[marinediscoking]

The side cars and their drivers here scare me to death! Most of them are young delivery boys that drive like they are on Yaba, I have nearly been clipped by them walking down the soi and also while driving on many occasions. I would not be surprised if in this incident it was parked in the middle of the road while the driver was reliving himself.

RIP

[ALFREDO]

@marinediscoing

She relieved herself? The driver, cook of that cart was a Thai lady. I believe she parked on the side of the round in front of a Late night spot and the Motobike with the Australiens crashed into that cart.

The BF of the beautiful lady can bring some light to that story.

Did he drive under the influence or did he let her drive, because he was to much under the influence?

I would ask him before he is leaving TH and possible charge him with reckless driving!

[fasteddie]

Did she wear a helmet?

So what if she did? the helmets in Thailand wouldn't save you from a headache!

[fasteddie]

Yet another case of no crash helmet, I ride all year round in the UK so it is fair to say I am into motorcycles, Whenever I travel to Thailand and also in a couple of weeks to India, I will, as usual take my own helmet.

I had taught to me the importance of crash helmets the hard way, my father was killed when I was 5.5years old on a bike with no helmet.

Thais often get a 'bashing' over riding skills etc, but I would rather be on the road with Thai riders than many of the tourists, I am sure that many have possibly never ridden a pushbike , let alone a motorcycle.

Any death is tragic, but please don't increase the chances by not wearing an helmet, even if you think you don't look 'cool'.

Unfortunately the helmets supplied with rental bikes are ill fitting flimsy one size fits all pieces of rubbish which would do little to protect a head in any way.

[JMG]

Sad, what a waste of a successful life. May she rest in peace.

Thats true it is a waste of life. Thais do not believe in Life. They are scared dead of spirits and live like the walking dead. Take a Thai driving license.... they only expect you to hold breaks and judge distances..... the rest of the driving school is for the "dogs" they have no clue to markings on the road. Signals and the use of mirrors. They havent a clue of speed.The law is not implemented. Police act as referees and charity fund raisers during lunch hours, closing their eyes to all the fiasco on the road. I would suggest that the govt discourage foreigners from driving here in Thailand!..... and the tourist dept to encourage them to take the bus or train. The rest of what moves on the road on two wheels do so as a death trap or a Jaba transport. NO LIGHTS, NO HELMETS, NO BRAINs-really, riding a bike with child in front, holding the handle bar with one hand and a phone in the left. If that is considered experienced driver. NO CONTROL. - AMAZING THAILAND. I have constantly written here. Why dont the police stand at their post and traffic lights at the morning rush hour before school starts. Most of the school children are underage riders with no helmets. THE NEXT GENERATION OF THAILAND.

The best I have heard is - if the farang was not here there would be no accidents!!! Oh Sure! I believe that... the road would be full of drifters and circus artist and the vehicles lite up like a christmas tree.

If you want to rant, at least be factually accurate. The Aussie couple ran into the sidecar. Illegally parked or not, if one is NOT driving under the influence of alcohol, and NOT speeding, one WOULD NOT run into a parked vehicle.

Don't blame Thais for everything.

The only way for visiting foreigners on holiday in Phuket to reduce the risk of injury or exposure to death as the result of a road fatality is to be made completely aware of the local situation on the roads and how “Police act as referees and charity fund raisers during lunch hours, closing their eyes to all the fiasco on the road.....” Since the situation will never change, there should at least be a process for properly preparing and informing foreigners upon arrival. Get around in a car or a taxi not on a motor bike. Even sober tourists wearing a helmet in the middle of the afternoon get wiped out on motor bikes. It’s so sad to see such young and precious life wasted because authority is not prepared to develop a process for risk management. RIP beautiful young spirit.

[Jimjim]

Why someone who "loves life" rides in alcohol influenced state and not wearing a helmet. That is someone who loves to risk their life and doesn't love it enough to protect it properly.

True but she's already dead man, give it a rest. Everyone takes risks they shouldn't and sometimes get away with it and sometimes don't. My thoughts are with her family.

[Johnnie99]

Whereas all deaths are a tragedy for those affected (and this, too, is desparately sad), could someone tell me why tourists and visitors to Thailand seem to stop thinking when they get off the aircraft? In their home countries, people respect the roads and look all about them (for the most part) in order to avoid death. But has anyone else noticed that tourists here simply seem oblivious to the fact that there are cars, bikes, trucks and buses whizzing past within inches of their faces?

Maybe they think that the drivers will stop for them. How about starting a tourist 'OPEN YOUR EYES' campaign?

[SouthernMan3]

another all too familiar sad loss in Phuket, i suspect ill get flamed etc by the living

life to the full brigade but the simple fact is it's madness for a farang to drive

a motorbike in Thailand,

Wait a minute now.

You are of course welcomed to your own opinion but,

I have been riding here for more then 25 years.

Not that I haven't had my share of cuts and nicks in the old days.

But, now that I don't drink any more things seem to be going just fine.

Just have to remember where you are and act accordingly careful.

[ja99]

Another tragic waste, RIP.

As a Phuket bike rider, I must say it does have it's risks. Last week on Rat-U-Thit road I very nearly had a meeting with one of these sidecar contraptions. Stuck behind a very large moving truck which took up most of the road width, I was toying with which side to attempt to go up and past it. Fortunately, I opted for the left side and was still behind when the truck connected with the sidecar on the right hand side. The sidecar driver was thrown onto the road and the whole contraption and bits of it were flung sideways across the street very nearly taking me out. All happened in the blink of an eye, despite the low speed.

Take care on the roads and wear a decent helmet, not just a plastic cap either.

[spidermike007]

I'd like to know if they ever followed up with the salaeng that may or may not have been parked illegally that was struck. Quite often these illegal vehicles don't have sufficient lighting, if they have lighting at all.

Such senseless loss of life could be avoided if only Phuket officials practiced safety process applied in other major holiday destinations around the world. Clearly Phuket officials need to ensure police enforce safety standards through vehicle compliance and operator usage. Unsafe, unregistered vehicles are driven by food vendors anywhere anytime and parked anywhere. If Phuket officials are not prepared to adopt the sane safety standards which are applied elsewhere and certainly in BKK they should at least conduct a campaign at Phuket airport advising tourists of the dangers and death statistics associated with motor bike accidents in Phuket and therefore recommend that tourists consider using taxis or car hire. The problem lies with Phuket officials and not with the police, public or tourists.

YES I believe the Tourism Department should discourage foreigners from driving in Thailand... The roads are full of clowns, trapeze artists and circus people. - Amazing Thailand! The police or officials blind folded or slow in acting. These side cars are death traps.

You are asking the tourism department to provide a service to tourists. They have never done that, in their history. All they do is promote tourism, and issue false press releases. They do not, and will not provide actual services to tourists. And since the central government is paying their expenses, why on earth would they ever say anything that may scare a tourist into doing something safe? It is only the death of foreigners after all, that we are talking about here. How important is that, in relation to the profits for the industry?

[alanferdi]

Sad, what a waste of a successful life. May she rest in peace.

Thats true it is a waste of life. Thais do not believe in Life. They are scared dead of spirits and live like the walking dead. Take a Thai driving license.... they only expect you to hold breaks and judge distances..... the rest of the driving school is for the "dogs" they have no clue to markings on the road. Signals and the use of mirrors. They havent a clue of speed.The law is not implemented. Police act as referees and charity fund raisers during lunch hours, closing their eyes to all the fiasco on the road. I would suggest that the govt discourage foreigners from driving here in Thailand!..... and the tourist dept to encourage them to take the bus or train. The rest of what moves on the road on two wheels do so as a death trap or a Jaba transport. NO LIGHTS, NO HELMETS, NO BRAINs-really, riding a bike with child in front, holding the handle bar with one hand and a phone in the left. If that is considered experienced driver. NO CONTROL. - AMAZING THAILAND. I have constantly written here. Why dont the police stand at their post and traffic lights at the morning rush hour before school starts. Most of the school children are underage riders with no helmets. THE NEXT GENERATION OF THAILAND.

The best I have heard is - if the farang was not here there would be no accidents!!! Oh Sure! I believe that... the road would be full of drifters and circus artist and the vehicles lite up like a christmas tree.

If you want to rant, at least be factually accurate. The Aussie couple ran into the sidecar. Illegally parked or not, if one is NOT driving under the influence of alcohol, and NOT speeding, one WOULD NOT run into a parked vehicle.

Don't blame Thais for everything.

Sure I do not blame Thais.... I blame what is permitted in the system. Lets look at some facts. Did the side car have lights, where was it parked and how. facing traffic...then you would have the side car on the wrong side right? Why does not the news give any direct reference. So underlying again - Thais are not to be blamed.... but those who claim to be so and are blind by the system. apologies if it sounds like a rant.