Aussie woman killed while trying to do the right thing and rescue a kangaroo in freak accident
Jane Faulder, a 60-year-old animal rescue volunteer, died after being struck by a vehicle on the Monaro Highway in New South Wales while trying to move an injured kangaroo. The incident highlights the danger of stopping on a busy road to help wildlife; police are investigating the circumstances.
She was hit at about 6.30pm on 25 September, roughly one kilometre south of Bredbo, while believed to be travelling home. The 54-year-old driver was not injured and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Tributes described Faulder as a long-time calisthenics athlete, foster carer and animal rescuer, as well as an active member of local theatre.
- Animal rescuer Jane Faulder died after being hit on a highway.
- She was reportedly trying to move an injured kangaroo.
- Police are investigating; tributes praised her community work.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Jane Faulder's decision to help an injured animal reflects values of compassion and stewardship that many hold dear. Rather than this tragedy suggesting people should abandon wildlife rescue, it should prompt us to improve safety through better training, protocols, and infrastructure for those who undertake this vital work. Her commitment to animal welfare represents something we ought to protect and support, not discourage.
The case against
This tragic death demonstrates why individuals should not attempt rescue on active highways, regardless of their good intentions. The appropriate response is to contact professional wildlife services or emergency authorities who have proper training and equipment to handle such situations safely. Personal safety must take priority, and encouraging people to stay in their vehicles and report injured animals to authorities is the lesson this incident reinforces.