Blair Redemski, 16, killed in motorcycle crash at Riverton – tight-knit community devastated

The family of 16-year-old Blair Redemski has been left reeling after his death in a motorcycle crash on Thursday, with his close-knit Mid North town stunned.

The death of Blair Redemski has rocked his small community. Picture: Supplied by family

“RIP beautiful boy,” a poignant sign reads in the main street of Riverton.

The boy’s name is not necessary – everyone in the grief-stricken Mid North town knows to whom who the tribute refers.

Blair Redemski was a popular 16-year-old boy, who loved his motorbike and his mates, and dreamt of a career in the navy.

Sadly, the bubbly teenager’s life was cut short on Thursday while riding the motorcycle he so proudly showed off on social media.

The Riverton and District High School student died after he and a car collided on Riverton Rd, Riverton about 5.45pm.

The Advertiser understands Blair had been living with the driver, 41, his wife and their children. Blair moved in with the family a few weeks ago when he was looking for accomodation.

Blair Redemski died when his motorcycle collided with a car at Riverton on Thursday. Picture: Supplied by family

Blair Redemski as a child pictured with his cousin. Picture: Supplied by family

The promising footballer’s death has devastated his family and the close-knit local community.

Blair’s aunty Brenda Hartwig described her nephew as “very bright and bubbly (and) always polite”.

“He loved working on cars and bikes. He wanted to join the navy as an engineer. He loved his footy.”

Ms Hartwig said she and the young man spoke every day.

“There wasn’t a day we didn’t speak,” she said.

“I will miss his beautiful smile. I will miss everything about him.”

Ms Hartwig also spoke on behalf of Blair’s father Terry Redemski.

“Blair was my everything, my side kick. He will be missed and loved dearly every day,” she said on Mr Redemski’s behalf.

Blair Redemski as baby with his dad Terry. Picture: Supplied by family

Another aunty, Krystle Hartwig, also paid a touching tribute to Blair.

“From the day Blair was born he was destined for greatness,” she said.

“Blair was a very smart young man who sadly had his life taken from him too soon.”

Local resident Matthew Williams said Blair was good friends with his son.

“He was a good lad in the community,” he said. “He always helped my son out.

“They were going to play online (on Thursday night) but (my son) was wondering where he was and he couldn’t contact him.”

Riverton farmer Matt Williams, whose son was friends with Blair. Picture: Russell Millard

Mr Williams said Blair was an “exceptional young lad” and a good footballer, playing for the local club.

The teenager had worked at the Riverton IGA for the past several months, serving behind the counter and stacking shelves.

His boss Ian Drill could not speak highly enough of him.

“Everyone knew him around the place and they loved to come in and be served by him,” he said.

A tribute for Blair, 16, who died in a crash between his motorbike and a car on Riverton Rd, Riverton in the state’s Mid North. Picture: Russell Millard

“He was always happy and jovial.”

Mr Drill said he and others warned Blair to be careful when he got his motorbike licence just weeks ago.

“He would ride in and he’d have his helmet on and his mask on and we all used to tell him to be careful. I suppose like a lot of young people he was bulletproof,” he said.

“I said to him ‘ … just be so careful’ (and he said) ‘I will, I will’.”

Police at the scene of Thursday’s fatal motorcycle accident. Photo: Nine News Adelaide

Riverton and District High School principal Kathy Champion said the school had “lost a student who was funny, friendly, had a zest for life with loads of potential for a bright future”.

Major Crash officers are investigating the crash.

Blair’s death takes the number of lives lost on SA roads so far this year to 42, compared with 45 at the same time last year.