Benjy Weenink, 16, killed in Second Valley crash while travelling with mates

The mother of SA’s youngest road crash victim this year has remembered his “gorgeous nature and sparkling smile” as their family tries to “make sense of this tragedy”.

16-year-old Benjy Weenink. Picture: Supplied

A teen boy killed in a horrific crash at Second Valley that left four others injured has been remembered as a “bubbly and friendly kid” with boundless enthusiasm for life.

Urrbrae Agricultural High School Year 10 student Benjy Weenink, 16, died when the driver of a ute in which he was a passenger lost control on Main South Rd on Sunday afternoon.

Anna Weenink with her 16-year-old Benjy Weenink. Picture: Facebook

His mother, Anna Weenink, shared a touching tribute on Monday and spoke of the family’s heartbreak over Benjy’s tragic death, while remembering her son’s “gorgeous nature and sparking smile”.

“Benjy is such a special human, he brought fun, light and joy everywhere he went,” Ms Weenink wrote on the social media post.

“He was warm, open-hearted, adventurous, clever, brave, funny, beautiful, kind and loved by so many.

“He had the most natural ability to put anyone at ease with his gorgeous nature and sparking smile and he was liked by everyone he met.

“Benjy was good at everything he tried – surfing, skating, guitar, soccer, tennis basketball, juggling, bouldering, you name it he could do it.

“We are so proud he is our son, stepson, brother, grandson, nephew and friend, and he is so deeply loved.”

She said the family was “heartbroken” as they attempted to “make sense of the tragedy.”

“We absolutely do not blame the driver in this terrible accident,” Ms Weenink wrote.

“We thank God for the wonderful 16 years we had with our beautiful Benjy.”

Ms Weenink ended the tribute by thanking those who have supported the family with “lots of flowers” and keeping their fridge “very full”.

16-year-old Benjy Weenink with Anna Weenink. Picture: Facebook

Youth pastor at CoroUniting in Coromandel Valley where Benjy’s family is a part of the church community, Jethro Buxton paid tribute to the Blackwood teen.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Weenink family,” Mr Buxton said.

“Benjy was a bubbly and friendly kid who approached everything with enthusiasm.

“He will be missed.”

The student, who is the youngest person to die on South Australian roads in 2023, has also been remembered by friends on social media.

Multiple shared black and white images captioned “rest easy benjy” or “rest well bento their Instagram stories.

“Absolutely devastating. What a character Benjy was. My heart goes out to Benjy’s family and everyone involved in the accident,” Michelle Coulson shared on Facebook.

Benjy died at the scene while the driver, a 17-year-old Dover Gardens boy, and three other passengers, a 16-year-old Maslin Beach boy, a 15-year-old St Morris girl, and a 15-year-old Crafers girl were injured.

Urrbrae Agricultural High School Year 10 student Benjy Weenink. Picture: Instagram

Tribute to Benjy Weenink who was killed at Second Valley. Picture: Ins

They were all taken to Flinders Medical Centre with non-life threatening injuries

The Advertiser understands the teenage group had been staying at the Second Valley Caravan Park with a number of adults.

It is believed Benjy was travelling with a car load of classmates from Urrbrae High when the Toyota HiLux crashed about 2.2km from the campground heading towards Rapid Bay.

The area was experiencing strong, gusty winds when the vehicle lost control around 5.15pm on Sunday.

Yellow paint marks the bitumen and SES tape used to shut the road remained near the scene of the crash on Monday.

Major Crash officers attended the scene on Sunday to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash and police investigations are continuing.

Police say Major Cash investigators are yet to interview the driver.

Benjy was the 106th person to lose their life on SA roads compared to 66 at the same time last year.