A BEACONFIELD couple’s dream holiday has turned into a nightmare after a fatal crash in Arizona last week.

Annette Anstis, 67, was killed instantly when a rental car driven by her husband Hector crashed head-on into a Ford F350 utility.

Mr Anstis is in a stable condition in a US hospital, along with his best mate Graeme Mann from Box Hill. Mr Mann’s wife Robyn was also killed instantly in the crash.

The two couples had just started their long-awaited trip to North America when they crashed while driving to the Grand Canyon Skywalk in Nevada.

The foursome had been best friends for more than 15 years and had long talked of an overseas trip together.

The Anstis’ three children, Nicole, Jason and Simone, have raced to the bedside of their father, who is making progress in his recovery.

Annette and Hector’s son-in law Trent Canute said his wife Simone and the rest of the family are devastated by the crash, but were keeping things together with the help of relatives, friends and the local community.

“Everyone has really rallied together,” he said.

“At the end of the day, we are all teared out, mate, but good family members have banded together.”

Mr Canute said the family’s grief is being compounded by complications regarding funeral arrangements.

“Hector is making baby steps with his recovery, but the estimates range between two to three weeks in hospital to three months before he can fly home,” he said.

“In regards to a funeral, things are yet to be determined.

“It’s a bit of an awkward one.

“Unfortunately, with the two of them (the men still in hospital it’s hard to make any arrangements.”

The family said it appreciated the help of Australian consular officials who have supported them in the days after the crash.

“The Australian consulate has been awesome, they have been absolutely fantastic,” Mr Canute said.

Investigators in Arizona have yet to release any findings on the cause of the accident.

The driver of the Ford utility sustained minor injuries in the crash.