'He was my rock': family devasted after man shot dead by police

It was Sunday afternoon of October 4, and Danny Di Biccari had driven off in the family's silver Chrysler Grand Voyager.

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"He wasn't answering my calls. He always answers my calls," Ebani Gardner, Mr Di Biccari's fiancée, told The Canberra Times, crying uncontrollably.

Danny Di Biccari, 45, was shot by NSW police about 84 kilometres north of Yass. Picture supplied

Later that afternoon, Ms Gardner ran out of her farmhouse on Corringle Lane at Taylors Flat, about 130 kilometres from Canberra. Her father was there to break the devastating news.

Mr Di Biccari had crashed into a tree down the road and was fatally shot by police shortly after.

According to NSW police, emergency services were called to Corringle Lane, near Rugby Road in Rugby, about 84 kilometres north of Yass, about 2.50pm on October 4, after reports a car had driven into a tree.

Danny Di Biccari recently celebrated the second birthday of his daughter. Picture Supplied

Officers from the Hume Police District found the Chrysler station wagon against a tree, with the driver appearing unconscious in the front of the car.

"Police approached the man and attempted to render aid. However, as they did, the man allegedly aimed a rifle at officers before being shot by police. Officers immediately commenced CPR on the driver; however, he died at the scene," a police spokesperson said.

For Mr Di Biccari's family, including his fiancée and four children, aged 11, eight, four and two, it was devastating to realise the 45-year-old had been shot dead metres from their home.

"He was a very good dad and was a very loved man. He was my rock," Ms Gardner said.

A sole trader and abattoir worker, Mr Di Biccari lost his job last year, leaving the family struggling as they cared for three older boys with disabilities. Originally from Tuggeranong in Canberra, Ms Gardner and her family moved from Nowra to the farm in Taylors Flat, owned by her parents, to better support the boys' medical needs.

"Everything was taking a toll on Danny. He was struggling with his mental health and was trying to reach out for help. He was getting worse," his fiancée said.

Despite the hardship, the family of six had recently celebrated their youngest daughter's second birthday.

"He loved cooking. He cooked for everyone. I'm going to miss his sandwiches," she said.

The kids were planning to celebrate Mr Di Biccari's 46th birthday at their Taylors Flat farmhouse on October 22. Picture Supplied

Ms Gardner said police officers arrived at their property on Sunday night to formally notify the family of Mr Di Biccari's death.

"I don't know what happened. They told me he had a gun on the passenger seat. He wasn't plotting anything," she said.

NSW police confirmed no officers were injured in the shooting. A critical incident team from the state crime command's homicide squad will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will be subject to an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

The fatal shooting of Danny Di Biccari will be subject to an independent review by the Professional Standards Command. Picture supplied

At the family home on Corringle Lane, the children had been planning to celebrate their father's 46th birthday on October 22, while the couple were set to tie the knot after Christmas.

"The kids are devastated," the heartbroken mother said.

• Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; beyondblue 1300 224 636.
  

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