Home and Away actress Jessica Falkholt dies three weeks after car crash that wiped out family

Australian actress Jessica Falkholt has died three weeks after a tragic Boxing Day car crash that killed her mum, dad, and younger sister.

In a statement, it has been confirmed that the 29-year-old Home and Away star passed away early on Wednesday [17 January] morning – just six days after her life support machine was switched off.

The statement read: “On behalf of the family of Jessica Falkholt, St George Hospital has been asked to advise the media and the community of Jessica’s passing today at 10.20am.

“Jessica passed away from serious injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on 26 December, 2017. The family has asked for privacy during this very difficult time.”

The broadcaster that produces Home and Away, Channel Seven, said that the cast are “heartbroken” by Jessica’s death, with a spokesman sharing: “Jessica’s shining talent was recognised and respected by all her cast mates and crew and her beautiful friendship treasured.

“We send our sincere condolences to her extended family and friends during this difficult time.”

Jessica was “surrounded by loved ones” when her life support was withdrawn on Thursday 11 January, just one day after her immediate family were laid to rest.

Hundreds of mourners are said to have gathered at St Mary’s Church on 10 January to pay their respects to Jessica’s family, 69-year-old Lars, 60-year-old Vivian, and 21-year-old Annabelle, with relative Paul Ponticello pointing out the injustice of the tragedy as Lars was such a “careful” driver.

News.com.au report that Mr. Ponticello told the service: “The irony of the tragedy is that Lars was such a careful driver.

“Whenever he’d ask to drive somewhere I’d suggest a time for an average driver and add on some additional time for the ‘Lars factor’ because he was so careful.

“Their lives ending on a highway makes absolutely no sense.”

The Falkholt family’s car was involved in a head-on collision on the Princes Highway at Mondayong on the New South Wales south coast in Australia on 26 December.

Other motorists are said to have risked their lives to pull the Annabelle and Jessica from the wreckage, with both cars bursting into flames shortly afterwards – leaving Mr. and Mrs. Falkholt to be identified through their dental records as their remains were burnt in the fire.

It was reported that a car driving on the wrong side of the road caused the collision, hitting the Falkholt family head on as they made their way home to Sydney following a short festive break, with it later being revealed that 50-year-old Craig Whitall, the driver of the other car involved in the accident, had previously been subject to a nine-year driving ban and had as many as 10 convictions for driving while disqualified.

Whitall also lost his life in the crash.

Annabelle died in hospital a few days after the crash, with Jessica remaining in a medically induced coma – unaware that her family lost their lives.

Jessica found fame after appearing as Hope Morrison on Home and Away in 2016, also starring in upcoming supernatural thriller Harmony, which is due for release in 2018.

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