Aussie teen killed in driveway of own home

A heartbroken family is mourning a “bright and kind” teenager who was tragically killed in the driveway at home.

Axle was working on his car when it collapsed and crushed him. Picture: Supplied

A heartbroken family is mourning the loss of a teen who tragically died after being crushed by his own car.

Axle Young, 17, was working underneath the beloved VK Holden Commodore in the driveway of his home in Mittagong, New South Wales, when the vehicle collapsed and crushed him to death on Sunday.

His devoted partner Shyanne Organ, 21, told news.com.au that she desperately tried to save the love of her life after the tragic accident unfolded and performed CPR until help arrived.

Paramedics tirelessly attempted to save his life but he died at the scene.

“I found him that day under the car and I jacked it up and got him out,” Ms Organ, an aged care worker, recalled.

Shyanne found her partner and gave him CPR until paramedics arrived. Picture: Supplied

“I did CPR until the ambulance arrived. When I found him and saw his face I just knew, but I had to have hope and keep trying to save him.

“I have first aid and CPR qualifications for my job, that is why I immediately went into action when I saw him.”

“The couple had just celebrated their one year anniversay four days earlier.

Axle was an amazing person. He took me under his wing and gave me the love I was always searching for,” Ms Organ said.

“He knew how to make me smile and he knew every little thing about me.

“We had just celebrated our one year anniversary on the 22nd of May. We had just moved into our very first home together and it was filled with nothing but love.

“It breaks my heart knowing not even a week ago we were talking about our first holiday together and where we would like to go.

Shyanne wants her partner to be remembered as an "amazing man". Picture: Supplied

“I will do whatever I can to make him proud and there will always be an ‘us’ because we made each other into the people we are today.”

Mr Young’s loving sister Cheyenne Young said she wanted her little brother to be remembered as a man who “cared deeply for everyone”.

“Axle was special, he became a man so quickly and he took care of me and our sick mother,” the 20-year-old told news.com.au.

“He always helped us out the best he could. He became the man in our household and wore that with pride.

“Being the youngest in our family, he was eager to show everyone that he was capable of so many great things, even at a young age.

“I would like him to be remembered as a man who cared so deeply for everyone and we were all so proud of his accomoplishments.

“He loved cars and would spend hours out the back working on them.”

Axle and Shyanne had moved in together and were planning their future. Picture: Supplied

The couple had just celebrated their first anniversary. Picture: Supplied

‘Bright young man’

Axle’s loving family, friends and employers have taken to social media to share their heartache over the teen’s sudden death and to share a GoFundMe page to help raise money for his funeral.

“In case you’ve not heard, my brother Axle Young suffered a terrible accident at home yesterday and tragically lost his life,” his older brother John Zeiser posted.

“Your messages of love and support have not gone unnoticed and are all greatly appreciated.

“We will keep you informed in the coming days with regard to funeral proceedings.

“I love you little brother, with all my heart.”

He was described as a “bright young man” who had a “promising future” ahead of him and was two years into his flooring apprenticeship with Southern Highlands Carpet Court.

He will be greatly missed by his family. Picture: GoFundMe

His employers remembered him as having a “beautiful nature” and as someone who would “always put a smile on everyone’s face”.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts the shock passing of our beloved apprentice Axle Young,” a spokesperson for Southern Highlands Carpet Court shared.

“We are so proud to have him part of our team for the past two years. His patience, commitment and his beautiful nature would always put a smile on everyone’s face here at Carpet Court.

“At the young age of 17 you showed us how determined and passionate you are about your career and future.

“The growth on this young man definitely did not go unnoticed and we will cherish that forever

“Your legacy and kindness will always be remembered and never forgotten.

“Our biggest condolences go out to beautiful girlfriend and his family at this heartbreaking time.”

The Floor Covering Institute of Australia (FCIA) also shared their condolences.

He is remembered as a "bright young man" who had a promising future ahead of him. Picture: Facebook

Axle was two years into a carpet laying apprenticeship. Picture: Facebook

“FCIA was saddened to hear about the tragic passing over the weekend of one its apprentices,” they wrote.

“Axle had been a flooring apprentice for nearly two years and was on the pathway to becoming a good craftsman.”

A local car community on Facebook said they were “saddened” by the news.

“Our car communities collectively are saddened by the horrible news that young 17yo Axle died while performing maintenance on his VK Commodore,” they wrote.

“Our thoughts go to Axles family and friends and ask that you assist in this time of need.”

Raising awareness

According to Product Safety Australia, at least 46 people have been crushed or killed by a vehicle they were working under in the last decade.

They recommend that everyone use support stands, not just jacks, when working under a car.

“Working under a vehicle that is supported by a jack can be fatal,” they write online.

“Most of the deaths that have occurred in Australia over the last decade were men and involved the vehicle being lifted or supported in the wrong way.

“Home mechanics are most at risk of this type of death or injury. In most cases, the vehicles were not properly supported with vehicle support stands.

Tributes have flowed online for the teenager. Picture: Facebook

“This resulted in the vehicle falling on top of the worker. In some cases, the vehicles were not secured with wheel chocks and the vehicles rolled on top of them.

“On average, 160 injuries are associated with jacks each year. Injuries have ranged from amputation to fractures and crush injuries.

“The correct use of jacks can prevent death or injury.

“Use vehicle support stands to provide stability to your vehicle when it is raised. Jacks do not provide adequate stability when you’re getting under a car.

“Never use bricks and timber blocks as substitutes for support stands.”

A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family with the teen’s tragic sudden death.

“It has been created in the hopes of raising enough money for Axle Young’s family to plan a beautiful funeral and send off,” the page read.

“We are hoping to raise $5000 to cover expenses for Axle and his family in this time of great sadness.”

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Originally published as Aussie teen killed in driveway of own home