Teen to do adult time over modded 4WD crash that killed 15-year-old girl
A 18-year-old has been sentenced over the 4WD crash that killed Caitlyn Bragger in 2025. Had the man not continued contesting the charges until after he turned 18, he would have been sent to juvenile detention.
An 18-year-old Western Australian teenager has been sentenced to 19 months in adult prison for causing the death of 15-year-old Caitlyn Bragger in a modified four-wheel drive crash. The driver, who was 16 at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, and three counts of causing bodily harm.
The crash occurred in June 2025 on a gravel road near Logue Brook Dam, 200km south of Perth. The court heard evidence that the vehicle had unauthorized modifications, including lifted suspension, larger-than-normal tires, and a rooftop tent. The driver had been performing "snakies" - veering from side to side - on a dark road when Caitlyn called out in alarm just before the crash.
The offender initially denied his actions but later changed his plea to guilty. The judge suspended the teenager's driving license for three years and stated that he would be eligible for parole in nine and a half months. Judge Quail noted that the man had taken longer to accept responsibility for his actions, but acknowledged his remorse and the profound impact the crash had on him and the other survivors.
Caitlyn's mother, Sarah Highwood, expressed that some justice had been served, but emphasized that reckless driving is never worth the loss of life.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
