Aaron Pitt, Lleyton Bartlett deaths: Gofundme campaigns set up to support heartbroken families

The Sunshine Coast community is showing support for two heartbroken families that lost their sons in a crash last week as emotional memories continue to flow.

The close friends of two young mechanics who were tragically killed working on the side of the road on the Sunshine Coast have set up fundraisers to support their grieving families.

Aaron Pitt, 25, of Currimundi and Lleyton Bartlett, 22, of Baringa, were both repairing a broken-down bus on the side of Nambour Connection Rd when the pair were allegedly hit and killed by a car about 3.30pm Thursday, April 21, 2022.

A 43-year-old Warana woman has since been charged with dangerous driving of a vehicle causing death whilst adversely affected by an intoxicating substance following the police investigation.

Aaron’s friend Ella Green, who organised the fundraiser, said her partner Jake MacNamara had been close with Mr Pitt for 13 years and their group was devastated to hear about the fatal crash.

“No one should go to work and not come home,” Ms Green said.

“I had to break the news to my partner who is working away and all of our close friends that night and it was the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever had to do.”

Aaron Pitt, 25, tragically passed away when he was hit by a car while working in Woombye last week.

Ms Green would spend time with Aaron most weekends and told the Sunshine Coast Daily he had a warm and bubbly personality.

“He was a gentleman. He would never fail to make you smile or laugh,” she said.

“He loved his parents deeply, was always there for his friends and would always lend a helping hand no matter who you were.”

Ms Green said she started the GoFundMe to raise money for Aaron’s family to cover his funeral expenses and provide any other support they may need.

Aaron Pitt (right) and Jake MacNamara (left) were friends for 13 years before Aaron’s tragic death last week.

“No parent should have to plan their child’s funeral … having some financial assistance is a great way to take away the stress of planning such a dreadful day,” she said.

“I think it is important that we come together as a community to show our support during times like this.

A friend of Lleyton Bartlett’s, Daniel Friend, also started a GoFundMe that has already received $10,000 in donations.

He said all the funds would go straight to the family to assist them with any expenses following their 22-year-old son’s death.

“Every single person who had the amazing opportunity to meet (Lleyton) will agree with me and say, the man he had become was something we all wish we could be,” Mr Friend said.

Lleyton’s mother Lisa Bartlett paid tribute to her son on Friday, saying he was “caring” and “full of life”.

“He always lived in the fast lane . he always put a smile on everyone’s face,” Ms Bartlett told the Sunshine Coast Daily.

“We just want our boy home and we know he’s not coming home.”

To donate to the Pitt family, search Aaron Pitt on Gofundme.com.

To donate to the Bartlett family, search Lleyton Bartlett on Gofundme.com.