Triple-fatal crash claimed healthcare workers with 'bright' future in Australia

Michael Zheng, 38, and Angela Wang, 31, killed at Ledcourt; 14-year-old passenger also died

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By LineZotpaper

Published2 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources2 outlets

Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to two Chinese nationals, healthcare workers with a bright future in Australia, who were among three people killed in a crash in Victoria's west on September 27. Michael Zheng, 38, and his wife Angela Wang, 31, died at the scene after their car was involved in a collision with a Mitsubishi Triton and a truck at Ledcourt about 6.45pm. A passenger in the Mitsubishi, 14-year-old Tenesha Fieldsend, later died at hospital.

The couple, who recently celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary, had been living in the town of Horsham, about 300 kilometres west of Melbourne.

Mr Zheng had recently been promoted as the manager of the Horsham Dentist Group. Ms Wang was a nurse at Grampians Health.

Friend JingJing Tang got to know the couple last year when she was helping them look for their missing dog. She described them as a lovely young couple with so much hope for their future.

"They had been granted Australian permanent residency last year, and I remember how happy and hopeful they were about building their life here," Ms Tang said.

Ms Tang last spoke to Mr Zheng and Ms Wang a few months ago, when they visited her newly opened takeaway restaurant. During that conversation, the couple spoke about their new home being built in Ballarat and their hopes for the future, including having a baby.

"I could see how excited they were about the life they were building together, they had so many hopes, plans and dreams ahead of them," Ms Tang said. "It's heartbreaking that their journey ended."

Simon Yan, a colleague of Mr Zheng, said the team was shocked when they hadn't heard from him on Monday, as he was usually quick to reply even on weekends. He described the wait for identification as "torturous" as friends clung to a glimmer of hope that it was not them.

The crash, which occurred on September 27, involved the couple's car, a Mitsubishi Triton driven by a learner driver, and a truck.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The deaths highlight the ongoing toll of road trauma in regional Victoria, with three lives lost including a teenager.
The tribute to the couple, who had recently gained permanent residency, underscores the contributions of skilled migrant healthcare workers to rural communities.
The crash raises questions about road safety on regional highways, particularly involving learner drivers and heavy vehicles.

Background

Victoria's western highways, including the area around Ledcourt, have seen a number of serious crashes in recent years. The incident occurred at dusk on a Sunday evening in late September. Police investigations into the cause of the collision are ongoing. The death of the 14-year-old passenger adds a particularly tragic dimension to an already devastating event.

Key Perspectives

Friends and colleagues: They remember the couple as dedicated, kind, and hopeful about their new life in Australia. The wait to confirm their identities was agonising. Local community: The crash has shocked the town of Horsham and the surrounding region, with three people from different backgrounds losing their lives. Authorities: Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision, which involved multiple vehicles and a learner driver.

What to Watch

Findings from the police investigation into the cause of the crash.
Any broader road safety measures or calls for action on the Western Highway.
Tributes and memorials for the three victims in their respective communities.

Sources

Healthcare workers killed in Ledcourt triple-fatal had a 'bright' future in Australia — Latest business news
Healthcare workers killed in Ledcourt triple-fatal had a 'bright' future in Australia — Just In