Sam Kerr mourning grandmother Coral after miracle recovery from horror road crash

Sam Kerr is mourning the death of her grandmother, Coral Kerr, who died aged 90 months after surviving a life-threatening road accident, the footballer’s management confirmed.

Coral was critically injured on Dec. 27 last year when she was struck by a ute after stepping off a bus near her Palmyra home in Perth. The driver, Mark John Britt, 63, has been charged with one count of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, accused of mounting the kerb in an attempt to overtake the bus before colliding with Coral.

An obituary notice for Coral, posted last Thursday and confirmed by Kerr’s representatives, said: "Though you no longer walk beside us, your presence is felt in every shared memory and quiet reflections. Be at peace knowing you will never be forgotten." The notice listed Coral as "Mum and Mum-in-law to Phillip and Dominique, grandmother to Dylan, Kasi, Logan, Jake and Britoni. Great grandmother to Saskia, Ophelia, Abel, Ivar, Jake." The notice did not name Sam Kerr directly; her management subsequently verified the obituary referred to the footballer’s grandmother.

Coral spent months in hospital and rehabilitation after the December crash, which left her with multiple fractures and internal injuries. Bystanders and neighbours rushed to her side while she lay unconscious on the pavement. Neighbour Mary Ivey recalled seeing Coral unresponsive and "very sweaty and clammy," saying she appeared to be in shock.

Despite the severity of her injuries, Coral made what family described as a "miraculous" recovery and was able to walk unassisted into her 90th birthday celebrations in April. At the party, Coral said, "I never thought I'd see this age and after that accident," and described having no recollection of the crash while listing the injuries she had sustained, including a broken pelvis and a rod in her leg.

Kerr was at the wedding of Matildas teammate Emily van Egmond in the Hunter Valley when the family received news of the accident and flew back to Perth with her parents. The Chelsea forward later posted on social media from London following the birthday, thanking people for their messages and prayers for her grandmother.

Her grandsons, including former West Coast Eagles AFL player Daniel Kerr, spoke publicly about Coral’s strength during rehabilitation. Daniel said it had been "really nice to just be here in general," while another grandson, Levi, said he was moved when Coral walked into the birthday party "which was a massive achievement."

Coral’s son, Roger Kerr, previously described his mother as a "real strong lady," noting she had never been under anaesthetic before the accident. The driver involved has been charged and the matter remains before the courts.

The family has not publicly disclosed details surrounding funeral arrangements. Kerr continues to play for Chelsea and the Australian national team while the family observes a private period of mourning.