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Daimon Pyne: Family’s emotional tribute to 18yo killed after ute and train collision in Cairns

The mother of an 18-year-old who died after the ute he was a passenger in was hit by a freight train has made a heartbreaking request.

The family of teen who died in a shocking freight train collision, have publicly shared their grief and heartbreak announcing the devastating decision to turn off his life support. Picture: Facebook.
The family of teen who died in a shocking freight train collision, have publicly shared their grief and heartbreak announcing the devastating decision to turn off his life support. Picture: Facebook.

The mother of an 18-year-old who died after the ute he was a passenger in was hit by a freight train has made a heartbreaking request to give him a beautiful send-off.

The much-loved teenager, Daimon Pyne, died in hospital after the white Holden Rodeo he was travelling in was struck by an Aurizon freight train in Bentley Park, Edmonton, on Monday.

Renee Bliudzius said her son had suffered a “catastrophic brain injury” in the crash.

Ms Bliudzius has now started a fundraiser through GoFundMe asking the community for help to fund their “beautiful boy’s send-off”.

“Daimon was in a tragic accident in Edmonton resulting in our family’s agonising discussion to take Daimon off life support,” she said.

“He suffered a catastrophic brain injury that was not survivable.

“We have created this GoFundMe, if anyone can help we would be forever grateful.”

More than $3500 had been raised by the community in the four hours since the fundraiser went live.

The family of the 18-year-old who died after the ute he was a passenger in was hit by a freight train have made an emotional tribute to the much-loved teenager. Picture: Supplied.
The family of the 18-year-old who died after the ute he was a passenger in was hit by a freight train have made an emotional tribute to the much-loved teenager. Picture: Supplied.

His father Chris Pyne said the family made the incredibly difficult decision to take him off life support on Tuesday.

“We have lost my boy Daimon after a serious accident,” he wrote on Facebook.

“Daimon passed away peacefully at 7.10pm (on Tuesday), he was surrounded by loved ones.

“Love ya kid.”

Daimon's father, Chris Pyne, has made a heartfelt tribute to his son, expressing his deep sadness and love for his son. Picture: Chris Pyne.
Daimon's father, Chris Pyne, has made a heartfelt tribute to his son, expressing his deep sadness and love for his son. Picture: Chris Pyne.

Brent Gatti, who is assisting with the fundraiser and is Mr Pyne’s uncle, said “heartbroken and devastated don’t come close” to how he was feeling.

“My beautiful nephew was involved in a shocking car accident Monday morning and he passed away peacefully in no pain,” Mr Gatti said on Facebook.

“We all miss you and your smile so much already.

“We will all be together again soon my boy. Love you mate forever in my heart and thoughts.”

Daimon Pyne was surrounded by friends and family in Cairns Hospital, while he remained in a critical condition. Picture: Brent Gatti.
Daimon Pyne was surrounded by friends and family in Cairns Hospital, while he remained in a critical condition. Picture: Brent Gatti.

Bentley Park College Principal, Bruce Houghton, said Daimon was a popular student.

“Daimon was well-liked by his peers and teachers during his time at the College,” he said.

“He had a real passion for all fields of technology, especially engineering, building construction and food technology.

“On behalf of the Bentley Park College community, I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

The driver of the ute, a 40-year-old man, was in a critical condition in Townsville University Hospital but has stabilised in the days since the crash.

Earlier this week some Edmonton residents said the intersection at Bruce Highway and Swallow Road was dangerous and there needed to be a boom gate installed.

Others believed the crossing did not need to be upgraded.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the crash, with some reports suggesting the utility may have driven around a vehicle which had stopped at the level crossing in an attempt to beat the oncoming train.

Two men have been injured in a crash involving a ute and a freight train at Edmonton. Picture: Vince Williams
Two men have been injured in a crash involving a ute and a freight train at Edmonton. Picture: Vince Williams
Tradesmen who witnessed the crash leapt into action with crowbars and shovels to free the men. Picture: Supplied.
Tradesmen who witnessed the crash leapt into action with crowbars and shovels to free the men. Picture: Supplied.

Heroic tradesmen immediately starting using crowbars and shovels to free the 18-year-old from the wreckage in the immediate aftermath of the crash, while firefighters extracted the 40-year-old driver a short time later.

A spokesman for the Queensland Fire Department said four crews had been at the crash scene shortly after 6.45am and spent 15 minutes rescuing the remaining passenger from inside the vehicle.

A witness, who asked to remain anonymous, reported seeing the white ute crash into the train, then strike a pole before flipping onto its roof.

“The ute got T-boned, hit a pole mid-flight, flipped and ended on the roof,” he said.

The witness also said several tradesmen immediately worked to pry the utes doors open with shovels and crowbars in an attempt to retrieve the men trapped inside.

“We ended up just cutting the door open and pulling a young passenger out and put (him) in the recovery position,” he said.

“An off-duty paramedic was in the gym next door who helped a lot with the situation and took control until emergency services got there.”

An 18-year-old man has died following a vehicle and train collision. Picture: Queensland Ambulance Service
An 18-year-old man has died following a vehicle and train collision. Picture: Queensland Ambulance Service

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said the Forensic Crash Unit will prepare a report for the coroner following the fatal incident.

“Anyone with information or relevant vision is urged to contact police,” she said.

No one on the train was injured.

emma.cam@news.com.au

Originally published as Daimon Pyne: Family’s emotional tribute to 18yo killed after ute and train collision in Cairns

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/cairns/18yearold-dead-after-the-ute-he-was-travelling-in-was-hit-by-a-train/news-story/419312e651ba35c674eec07cfbae7611