Thales Henrique da Silva Souza, a 26-year-old triathlete who has lived in Maroubra for seven years, is recovering at home after being struck by a car while cycling through Sydney’s south, sustaining injuries that required a 12-hour jaw reconstruction surgery, a second surgery on his arm and a nerve block in his spine.
The incident allegedly occurred on Princes Highway in Engadine near the intersection of Anzac Avenue at around 8am on Sunday 19 April. Police confirmed a 34-year-old woman driver was uninjured and was arrested at the scene and taken to Sutherland Hospital for mandatory testing. A Sutherland Shire Police spokesperson confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
More than $34,000 has since been raised through a GoFundMe campaign to support Thales and his partner Isabelle Molinari Fontes with medical expenses and living costs.
Three days unconscious, a jaw held together by rubber bands
Thales was three hours into a cycling journey when the alleged collision occurred. Other cyclists at the scene told Isabelle that a car struck him from behind and kept driving before stopping when members of the group gave chase.
The injuries were severe. Thales lost approximately half his teeth, broke six ribs and was left with rubber bands holding his reconstructed jaw together. He lay unconscious in hospital for three days while Isabelle waited.
“The first three days were the worst,” she said. “Doctors said he might wake up in two days or two months, or might not recognise who I am.”
The first signs of recovery arrived in small moments. “The first moment when he squeezed the doctor’s hand, we were all so excited,” Isabelle said. “When he asked for me and said my name, I thought ‘Thank God’.”
A couple who built their life in Maroubra
Thales and Isabelle met as high-school sweethearts and have lived together in Maroubra for seven years, part of a community they have put down genuine roots in. The impact of the incident has extended beyond Thales’s physical recovery, with both of them out of work due to the full-time care required during his rehabilitation.
Thales is currently on a liquid diet and cannot put weight on his injured arm. He does not remember the collision itself.
Despite all of it, his competitive instincts remain intact. He is still targeting a return to elite triathlon competition later this year. “It’s still on the cards,” he said.
His response to the community fundraising effort has been one of genuine gratitude. “It’s amazing what they did,” he said. “I don’t have the words to say thank you.”
How to support Thales
The GoFundMe campaign for Thales and Isabelle remains active.
Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of the Princes Highway, Engadine incident on the morning of Sunday 19 April is asked to contact Sutherland Shire Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Published 3-June-2026
