Amateur football champ killed

A PALL hung over yesterday's Old Scotch v Uni-Mowbray football match following the death early yesterday morning of key Old Scotch player Lucas Butzin.

Mr Butzin, 23, of Launceston, was killed in a two-vehicle collision 600m south of the Breadalbane roundabout early yesterday.

Former Old Scotch coach and friend of Mr Butzin, Justin Harper, reflected the esteem Mr Butzin was held in when when he said that players and spectators from both teams paid their respects at the game.

"He was very well respected by all clubs, because he was such a good player," Mr Harper said.

"Lucas was a club and association best and fairest player, captain, assistant coach and a hell of a good bloke."

Police said that a 28-year-old Launceston man was driving north towards Launceston along the Midland Highway in a white 1993 Toyota Hilux 4WD, with a blue twin-axle trailer.

Police believe that the Hilux crossed to the incorrect side of the road, lost control and the trailer jack-knifed.

Police said that a white Honda Civic sedan being driven by Mr Butzin was travelling in the opposite direction, towards Perth. "(The) vehicles collided head-on in the south-bound lane - the driver of the Honda was killed instantly," a police spokesman said.

Police said that the Hilux driver was taken to LGH with non-life-threatening injuries.

A passenger in the Hilux was uninjured.

Investigations into the accident are continuing and an inquest will be opened on Monday.

Police would like anyone who may have seen either vehicle to contact the Launceston Accident Investigation Unit on 6336 3936 or 6336 3701.

The State's 2006 road toll now stands at 30, compared to 25 deaths to July 8 last year.

Launceston Examiner
By PETER SANDERS , Published Sunday, 9 July 2006

http://www.examiner.com.au/admin/archive/print.asp?id=351484