A Year of Anguish: Family's Plea for Answers in Tragic M80 Death
The heartbroken family of Mary-Anne Cutajar are enduring a painful milestone this week, marking one year since the beloved 46-year-old mother-of-four was tragically killed on Melbourne's M80 Ring Road. Her life was cut short in a devastating incident that has left a family shattered and a driver still at large.
The Day Tragedy Struck
On November 7, 2024, Mary-Anne was driving near St Albans when a catastrophic sequence of events unfolded. A riv-nail driver system, which had become detached from the back of a truck travelling ahead of her, fell onto the road. The heavy equipment then bounced off the tarmac and smashed through her windscreen, causing fatal injuries.
The truck driver failed to stop at the scene. Instead, the vehicle was last seen heading towards the suburb of Altona, leaving behind a scene of devastation and a family forever changed.
A Frustrating Investigation and a Family's Loss
Despite an extensive investigation led by Victoria Police's Major Collision Investigation Unit, the person responsible has not been identified. The most significant development in the case occurred nearly a year ago, on November 28, 2024, when police executed search warrants at two properties in Epping and Hallam. A 40-year-old man from Mernda was interviewed by detectives but was later released without charge.
Since then, the trail has gone cold. Victoria Police have confirmed the case remains an 'active and ongoing' investigation. A police spokesperson stated, 'Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives continue to appeal to anyone with information who is yet to come forward.'
Mary-Anne's personal life was filled with recent joy amidst the tragedy. She had only just married her husband, Daniel Cutajar, in January 2024. The couple had recently returned from a happy trip to Gozo, Malta, a place that held special significance for Mary-Anne as she had lived there three decades prior.
She leaves behind four children and three grandchildren, all of whom are struggling to come to terms with their sudden and profound loss. Her daughter, Laura Grech, paid a moving tribute shortly after the tragedy, saying, 'Rest in peace mum. Love you heaps and miss you like crazy. I know you're always there for me even though you're not here anymore.'
A Detective's Emotional Appeal
Detective Inspector Craig McEvoy described the incident as 'a tragic situation' and made a direct, emotional appeal to the driver involved. He emphasised the family's suffering, stating, 'Mary-Anne's family are trying to grieve the loss of a mother, a wife, and they're trying to assist us the best they can and grieve in these really, really sad circumstances.'
He added a specific plea: 'Please, if it is yourself and you have now identified through searching of your equipment and your tools that you are missing this item... please come forward and let us know so you can assist us with our inquiries.'
Anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
