A driver has been charged following a tragic incident where local tourism worker Jackie McKeown was fatally struck by a ute in Jerrabomberra on Sunday 17 November 2024.

Jackie, a Jerrabomberra local and Director of Visitor Services at VisitCanberra, was near her home when she was allegedly hit by a ute while walking along Bicentennial Drive near the intersection of Forest Drive around 8:10am. NSW Ambulance paramedics responded promptly and administered CPR, but she tragically died at the scene.

The 54-year-old female driver sustained broken ribs and facial injuries during the incident. She was transported to Canberra Hospital for treatment and underwent mandatory testing, as required by law in such cases.

NSW Police established a crime scene with assistance from the Crash Investigation Unit, seizing the vehicle for forensic examination. Following extensive investigations, the driver was issued a court attendance notice on Monday 13 January 2024, for dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving occasioning death. Her driver’s licence has been suspended, and she is scheduled to appear at Queanbeyan Local Court on Friday 14 March 2025.

Jackie, 48, is survived by her husband Shaun and their two sons, Jake, 11, and Archie, 9. The family expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming community support through a message posted on the Jerrabomberra Community Noticeboard.