Tributes are pouring in for a young Australian couple whose dream holiday to Bali turned into a nightmare after a deadly scooter crash. The accident in North Kuta on Sunday morning claimed the life of 33-year-old Bryce Alexander Black and left his girlfriend, Samantha Baillie, also 33, with critical injuries.
A Fatal Morning in North Kuta
Bryce Black, a father of one from the Central Coast in New South Wales, could not be saved and died at the scene. His partner, Samantha Baillie, a mother-of-two, was rushed to hospital with severe injuries. The couple was just days into what was meant to be a celebratory first overseas trip for Baillie, marking a new chapter in her life.
Friends have revealed the extent of Baillie's injuries from the emergency incident. She sustained a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain, pelvic bruising, broken fingers, a serious foot injury and a deep cut. She remains in hospital in Indonesia, unable to return home to her children.
Community Rallies with Overwhelming Support
Savannah-Leigh Homer, a friend of Samantha Baillie, immediately flew to Bali to be at her bedside. Recognising the immense financial burden, especially as Baillie did not have travel insurance, Homer set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical and repatriation costs.
The response was swift and overwhelming. The fundraiser's initial target of $50,000 was surpassed in less than 24 hours, forcing Homer to pause further donations. "To see Sam’s GoFundMe reach its goal in less than 24 hours is something we will never forget," Homer said.
"Every donation, share, message and act of support has helped lift an unimaginable weight during one of the hardest moments of their lives. What was needed most in this moment has been covered, and that is entirely because of the compassion of so many people." She added that the Baillie family are "deeply grateful" for the support, which allows them to focus on being together and protecting the children.
Heartbreak and Hopes for Recovery
Social media has been flooded with messages of grief and support. One heartfelt tribute to Bryce Black read, "I still can’t believe it’s happened to you... You are a good man." Another simply said, "rest in peace, Bryce." Friends of Samantha Baillie described her as a "strong woman" and sent "so much love and strength."
One friend highlighted the cruel twist of fate, stating the incident was "absolutely devastating" and that "at such a significant breakthrough of her life, to be faced with this, is unbelievably heartbreaking."
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the families of both the injured woman and the man who died. A DFAT spokesperson offered their deepest condolences but cited privacy obligations for not commenting further.
The focus now is on Samantha Baillie's long road to recovery. Friends and family are working to have her flown back to Sydney, where she is expected to undergo immediate surgery on her hands.
