Night out with friends ends in tragic death of Bailey Quaife

A night out with friends ended in tragedy on Wednesday night when a Drouin man fell from a utility at Darnum and died.

In what police described as a “misadventure,” 21-year-old Bailey Quaife was on the back of a utility travelling in Silbys Rd when he fell onto the road.

Tributes flowed on social media last week as his employer, local football clubs and friends shared their shock and grief.

Investigating police said Bailey had been drinking with friends at a pub in Warragul before going to a house in Darnum.

Police said a 20-year-old Darnum woman was then driving four passengers to nearby homes when the tragic incident occurred.

The recently qualified electrician was treated by paramedics at the scene before being airlifted and dying shortly after arriving at hospital.

Major Collision Investigation Unit acting sergeant Ben Oliver said “some ill-thought out decisions ended in tragedy for yet another family going into Christmas…it’s horrible.”

He said the “misadventure” unfolded as the female driver was taking a group of friends home to nearby addresses.

He said it appeared the dual cab Ford tray utility included a male passenger in the cab, a man on the bonnet and two men on the tray.

Acting sgt Oliver said investigations had ruled out speed being a factor but alcohol may have been a factor for some of the occupants.

The incident occurred at 10.15pm about 200 metres from the Rhodes Rd intersection.

Acting sgt Oliver said Bailey was travelling on the tray of the utility when he “come off the side and impacted the road.”

He said all occupants of the utility stopped and assisted their friend until ambulance arrived.

Acting sgt Oliver said the occupants took the utility to a nearby house.

He said the group did the right thing and called triple zero but “panic has set in” and they left after paramedics arrived.

He said the occupants, aged in their late teens to early 20s, had been forthcoming in their information provided to police.

The female driver was interviewed by police on Thursday and was released without charge pending further investigation.

Acting sgt Oliver said he expected the investigation would take months.

Bailey had recently passed his final exams as a fourth year electrical apprentice with Malady Electrical in Warragul.

The Malady team said their workplace would never be the same and his death “left a hole in our team.”

He also was remembered as a much-loved team mate at Warragul Industrials Football Club, as well as former member and player at Warragul Football and Netball Club and Warragul Blues Junior Football Club.

Bailey was remembered by the Dusties as a talented footballer who polled votes every game he played this year.

“His body was always on the line and often tasked with stopping players with far more experience and more accomplished resumes, but it's hard to remember a day he was ever beaten.

“Bailey was one of the few blokes around a footy club with time for anyone, always time for a Bundy can.

“He was a massive supporter of our women's program attending training sessions to lend a hand and was a regular face at games; all be it feeling a little dusty and sore after going to battle the day before,” the Dusties’ Facebook post said.

Bailey's football career also saw him receive interleague honours in under 18s in the Gippsland League when he played with the Gulls for under 16s and under 18s.

While at Warragul FNC, he shared many father and son football moments with his father Daniel.

The Gulls paid tribute “to a terrific fella who loved his footy, his job and his family.”

The Warragul Blues described Bailey as a “talented footballer who shined as a junior player.  Passionate for the game, the club and especially his teammates.”