Man charged with manslaughter over fatal crash in Cairns

Police have charged 36-year-old Jake Edward Warn with multiple offences, including manslaughter, after a fatal crash in northern Cairns on Wednesday. The crash killed Savannah Paige, a 25-year-old woman from Kewarra Beach, who was the only occupant of the Toyota RAV4. Warn was allegedly driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance when he stole a Toyota LandCruiser ute from Palm Cove shortly before 1:30pm.

He crashed into a northbound Subaru Impreza and a Toyota RAV4 on the Smithfield Bypass. Savannah Paige died at the crash site. After the crash, Warn allegedly entered a Toyota C-HR and forced the 71-year-old driver to drive him away from the scene, though he was not physically injured. Less than an hour later, police arrested Warn and took him to Cairns Hospital.

Five charges have been laid against Warn, including manslaughter, failing to render assistance, dangerous driving while affected by intoxication, unlawful entry into a vehicle, and vehicle theft. Investigations are ongoing, and police urge anyone with relevant information to come forward. Cairns Mayor Amy Eden expressed concern for the grieving families, first responders, and those impacted by the crash, urging the community to focus on providing support to those affected.