An Australian pilot and father of two died in a horrific collision while trying to cross a US highway, just days before returning home to join his family.
Gary Clarke, 56, from Adelaide, lived and worked in Sacramento, California, as a first responder pilot, but before his life was tragically cut short on May 4.
His wife of 30 years, Karen, learned of his death last week when she called his workplace after being unable to contact him by phone or email for several days.
Family friend Kylie Payne said Clarke was due to return to Australia this Saturday.
“They are coping as well as could be expected,” Payne said. 7News.
Gary Clarke (pictured), a 56-year-old Adelaide man, was living and working in Sacramento, California, when he died in a car accident.
Mr Clarke’s family (pictured with wife Karen and children Lauren and Bailey) learned of his death last week after contacting his employer.
‘He was a great father, he worked to provide for his family and made sure they had what they needed.
He was definitely the life of the party. Everyone liked him, Gary was everyone’s friend. He was really a lively person.’
Local media reported that Clarke attempted to cross the northbound shoulder of Interstate Five in Natomas when he was hit by a 30-year-old driver around 3:30 a.m.
He died at the scene.
Clarke leaves behind her daughter Lauren and son Bailey, both in their 20s.
He was very close to his children.
Mr Clarke’s heartbroken wife issued a statement on behalf of her family in which she described her husband as “larger than life”.
“He was the most sociable man I had ever met and made friends wherever he went,” she said.
Gary Clarke (pictured) has been remembered as “larger than life” and “a great father”.
Mrs Clarke said her husband had told friends: “If anything ever happened to him… bring him home and bury him here in the Adelaide Hills.”
Mrs Payne has launched a online fundraising to assist Mr Clarke’s grieving family with the cost of repatriating his body, which is estimated at $50,000.
“Bringing Gary home is a difficult and expensive process,” she wrote.
‘I hope we can raise some money to support the family during this time.
‘The costs of bringing back a loved one are much higher than you think and all costs are paid in advance. Gary had limited insurance that will take some time to access.
More than $33,500 has been raised in four days.
Mr Clarke’s funeral is expected to take place next week.
