Local soccer club pays tribute to past player Johnny Howieson two days after tragic accident

Strathalbyn teen Johnny Howieson, who was killed in a shocking Easter Sunday car crash, has been remembered by a local soccer club as a talented player.

A local soccer club has paid tribute to a 16-year-old who tragically lost his life after his car crashed into a tree on Easter Sunday.

Strathalbyn teen Johnny Howieson died at the scene on Lake Plains Rd near Langhorne Creek about 2.30am.

Strathalbyn Strikers Soccer Club posted to social media on Monday confirming that Johnny was a member of their club until 2021 when he decided to take up golf.

A local soccer club has paid tribute to teen Johnny Howieson. Picture: Facebook

“Johnny was a well loved and very talented member of any team he played in,” the club said.

“Johnny also continued to play summer sevens, being part of the last two winning division two teams.”

The post went on to pay tribute to Johnny’s family.

“He will be sorely missed,” it said.

The post garnered many comments with one person saying: “I know he left an imprint on my sons hearts”.

Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School principal Ian Kent said they had all been shocked by the tragic news, after classmates remembered Johnny as a star student and talented soccer player.

Strathalbyn teen Johnny Howieson died at the scene when the car he was driving struck a tree on Lakes Plains Rd on Sunday morning. Picture Dean Martin

“We are a very close school community, in a small country town, and our hearts go out to the immediate family and friends of Johnny,” Mr Kent said.

“I know that in many small country towns everyone is connected, with many of my staff and their families having either taught Jonathon or his siblings and/or their sons and daughters have been close friends with them as well as his other classmates.”

Mr Kent said the school would offer support for students and staff in conjunction with the Education Department from Tuesday.

“We urge everyone to be extremely sensitive and respectful as the Howieson family work through the trauma and grieving period,” he said.

“They have to be our number one priority right now. I cannot imagine what the family are going through and on behalf of the whole school community offer my heartfelt condolences.”