Matthew Rieck, ‘Chrisso’ Sorensen named as Urangan crash victims

New details about a young mechanic and father flown to hospital in Brisbane after their car crashed into a resort wall on the Fraser Coast can be revealed as loved ones face an agonising wait.

A car crash in Urangan left three young people including Matthew Rieck (pictured) critically injured.

Beloved brothers have been named as two of the crash victims flown to Brisbane following a horror smash into the entrance of Hervey Bay’s Sea Change Resort on Friday.

This publication has confirmed Hervey Bay mechanic Matthew Rieck, 26, and young father Chris ‘Chrisso’ Sorensen, 19, both suffered life-threatening injuries when the car they were travelling in smashed into the wall and fence on Elizabeth St in the early hours.

A spokeswoman for Metro North Health confirmed on Tuesday Mr Rieck was critical but stable while Mr Sorensen was stable.

In a heartfelt post on Facebook, the boys’ brother Brendan Sorensen posted an old family picture with the caption “Stay strong my brothers you got this”.

Brendan Sorensen posted this old family photo along with well wishes for his brothers Matt and Chris who were seriously injured in a crash at Urangan.

Melissa Maree Hobson replied “Our boys have this” while their father, Alan Sorensen wrote “I remembered that day”.

Nicole McCarthy wrote “stay strong … your brothers both know how much you love them. Keep fighting boys” while Kyle Aitcheson said “I hope yas pull through … Love yas”.

The boys’ uncle, popular Gunalda pub musician Brad Sorensen, told his friends of the sad news on his Facebook page, asking people to “say some prayers for my brother’s 2 sons who are in hospital after a bad accident … we love you boys so much”.

The post attracted an outpouring of support and more than 100 reactions.

Debbie Baltzer wrote “sending healing thoughts to the boys … I will say a prayer for them both. Thinking of you all” while Margaret Boaden said “My prayers for your nephews and all medical staff attending their care”.

The destroyed entrance to Seafront Resort on Elizabeth St, Urangan on September 22, 2023

Another passenger - a 22-year-old female – was also rushed to hospital where it’s understood she too remains in a serious condition.

In a Facebook post to the young woman’s grandma on Tuesday, a friend wrote “Thank you for the updates in this hard time thinking of you all and willing her on over here. Xxx”.

Tyre marks can still be seen outside the resort where the concrete, brick and metal gateway was reduced to rubble on impact.

Residents described hearing screeching before an “almighty bang”.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

Family members of all three crash victims have been contacted for comment.

A GoFundMe has also been created to help the family of the brothers with travel and medical expenses.