In a tragic turn of events, Shannon Cox, a former player for the Collingwood Magpies, has pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter related to a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two elderly women. The incident occurred during the morning of June 7, 2024, on Brand Highway in Cooljarloo, approximately 170 kilometers north of Perth, Western Australia.
The 39-year-old former AFL player made his plea on March 19, 2025, during an appearance at the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court. He participated via video link from Greenough Regional Prison. Initially, Cox faced charges of dangerous driving occasioning death after his Toyota Prado struck a Suzuki hatchback, resulting in the tragic deaths of Thelma Clausen, 82, and Coral Seinor, 83. Both women were traveling in the hatchback at the time of the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene, remembered fondly by their community for their decades-long friendship.
Details of the crash reveal that a Volvo road train was also involved in the incident; however, the driver of that vehicle emerged uninjured. Following an investigation, the charges against Cox were upgraded to manslaughter after analysis of drug test results taken at the time of the collision. Prosecutor Sergeant Beau Jones confirmed in court that these test results prompted a re-evaluation of the case, leading to the revised charges that reflected the seriousness of the tragedy.
Cox's legal representative, Paul Holmes, requested that a psychological report be prepared ahead of the sentencing, which is scheduled for August 26, 2025. This report will likely examine the state of mind and other factors affecting Cox at the time of the incident. Cox, who played 25 games for Collingwood from 2007 to 2009, had a promising athletic career but retired at the young age of 23, citing a loss of passion for the sport.
At the time of his retirement, Collingwood’s chief of football, Geoff Walsh, expressed understanding and respect for Cox’s decision to leave the game. “Shannon returned from the post-season break and decided that he no longer had the desire and hunger to commit to the demands of AFL football,” Walsh stated. “We fully expected Shannon to be part of our 2010 list - however we respect his decision to retire and wish him well.”
The May 2024 crash was a devastating event for the local community, especially for those who knew Clausen and Seinor. Friends and relatives recounted the women as lifelong companions who contributed significantly to their town. Their deaths in such a preventable incident have left a longing void in the lives of many.
As the case unfolds, various aspects of the legal process will be scrutinized, especially concerning the implications of drug testing in accidents involving fatalities. The collision, which has not only taken the lives of two well-loved women but also altered Shannon Cox’s life, serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with driving and the tragic consequences of reckless behavior on the road.
In summary, Cox's plea signifies an important legal development as families and friends of the deceased wait for justice and closure. The outcomes of both the psychological assessments and the eventual sentencing will shed further light on this heart-wrenching case.
