Brave widow Delphine Mugridge says she’s been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support since the loss of her much-loved husband Neville Mugridge, who was affectionately known as ‘Slim’.
Slim, 77, was tragically killed on Thursday, along with two other truck drivers, in a head-on collision on the Eyre Highway near Yalata.
Speaking to 9News Adelaide, Delphine said the online posts had made a big difference, and she wanted to harness that support to lobby authorities to make the roads safer.
A 50-year stint at the wheel has ended in the worst way for a Smithfield truckie, who loved his life on the roads.
He was one of three drivers killed in a fiery crash on the Eyre Highway – the others men from Victoria and New South Wales. @9keziahsullivan #9News pic.twitter.com/pvjoVHJVUL
— 9News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) April 5, 2024
Meanwhile, Slim’s employer, TML Transport, has started a GoFundMe page to help with funeral and other costs through this “difficult time”.
“A truck driver of over 50 years, Slim was a colourful character and loved by many. A very experienced road train operator, with diesel in his veins,” TML Transport wrote.
“He was a beloved team member of TML Transport with nearly 40 years working for the family.
“Please assist in giving Slim the send off he deserves on his final journey.”
At the time of writing, 334 donations had raised $33,217.
Slim’s regular truck wash in Perth, The Kleening Zone, has also organised a special sunset tribute on Monday, April 8, the day he was due to arrive.
“Once the sun goes down, turn on all the truck lights, so Slim can see us from the sky,” the post reads.
“Let’s show the old boy how loved he really was.”