Atem Kuany’s family delivers victim impact statements after losing him in crash at Edinburgh RAAF
The family of a boy killed in a crash caused by his drunk, speeding friend have revealed their heartbreak in court, saying the wound in their hearts will be forever.
Police & Courts
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Atem Kuany was a talented sportsman, writer and cherished member of his family who was killed tragically in a horror crash caused by his drunk friend.
The 17-year-old killer driver, who was disqualified and had never held a licence, then hid in the grass for more than an hour to avoid arrest.
The crash occurred at the Edinburgh RAAF military facility in September 2022 after the car was initially spotted by police on Petherton Road at Andrews Farm.
Atem was left dying on the ground when the teen, and two other passengers, who suffered non-life threatening injuries, left the scene of the crash.
Victim impact statements were read to the District Court on Friday by prosecutor Kimberley Ballans.
The victim’s mother Daborah Beek said Atem was named after her father so he was an important legacy member to her family.
“He was a talented sportsman, a gifted writer and most importantly the centre of our family’s universe,” she said.
Ms Beek said her son’s death had impacted her social life terribly and robbed her of any enjoyment in life.
“My son has died, there will never be a reason for me to celebrate anything,” she said.
“The few hours of sleep I ever get are filled with nightmares.”
Atem’s brother, William Kuany, told the court he started questioning his religious beliefs and losing faith in God for the first time in his life.
“Why do terrible things happen to good people? Why did God betray me? What have I done to deserve this?” he said.
William said Atem had so much to live for and lit up any room he walked in.
Atem’s other brother, Kuany Kuany, told the court Atem had been his closest friend ever since he was born.
“He is the one I go to when I need help, he is the one I go to when I’m sad or need to vent,” he said.
“Not having my best friend for the first time ever is psychological torture.”
Atem’s father, Elijah Kuany, who read his own statement to the court said his son was due to turn 18 a month after the crash and finish Year 12 that year.
“The wound in our heart will remain forever,” he said.
Kimberley Ballans, for the prosecution, told the court the youth was not only disqualified from driving at the time but had never held a licence.
The youth, who was not initially driving on the group’s way home on the night, suggested he take over driving after they sighted a police car.
The court heard the youth took off at speed from police, with speeds estimated up to 136km/h prior to the crash, when the speed limit was 60km/h.
The teen then fled from the scene after the crash and hid in the grass for more than an hour and half before his body heat was detected by PolAir.
The court heard he returned a blood-alcohol reading of 0.116, which was likely closer to 0.175 at the time of the crash.
The teen read an apology letter to the court, saying he took full responsibility for causing the crash that killed his dear friend.
“I miss him every moment of the day,” he said.
“I will never be able to forgive myself … I will forever carry the weight and guilt.”
The teen, who cannot legally be named, pleaded guilty in July to aggravated causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of causing harm by dangerous driving and leaving an accident scene after causing death.
Judge Joanne Tracey will sentence the youth – who is being sentenced as an adult – in February.
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