The future of South Australian business Chris Evans Transport is in the hands of administrators after the sudden death of its sole director and shareholder in April.
Jane Evans, 69, and her husband Chris Evans, 68, were rushed to hospital on April 21 after the Dodge ute they were travelling in allegedly struck a gate while attempting to board the Lyrup Ferry to cross the Murray River.
Jane died a short time after arriving at hospital.
Jane’s death prompted a series of legal steps, including the appointment of administrators, SV Partners, to oversee the company which runs a fleet of 30 prime movers, employs about 25 staff and is known for delivering primary produce between Riverland, Melbourne and Adelaide.
The validity of the administrators’ appointment was questioned by Chris Evans and his legal team, prompting administrators to seek confirmation of their footing via a Federal Court Hearing on June 5.
The Federal Court Judge’s ruling, released on June 9, confirmed the administrators’ appointment would stand.
SV Partners administrator Matthew Ormsby was quoted in The Advertiser on June 11 as saying the Court decision would enable the administrators to take next steps.
“The business is trading as normal and we’re now looking to sell the business,” Ormsby said.
“We haven’t formally started the process yet, but we’ve had a lot of people interested in the business and we will continue those discussions,” he said.
Big Rigs approached SV Partners for further comment, with none received at the time of publication.
Court proceedings arising from the April 21 incident continued on June 15 when Christopher Robin Evans appeared in Berri Magistrates Court charged with causing death by careless driving and driving unlicensed.
He did not enter any pleas and the case was adjourned to July.