Lleyton Bartlett’s funeral: Beloved mechanic farewelled after fatal Woombye crash

A “real larrikin” with a “cheeky smile” has been farewelled by friends and family after he was allegedly hit by a car while repairing a bus on the Sunshine Coast.

Family and friends of a “cheerful” Sunshine Coast man who died after a horror crash in Woombye have honoured the 22-year-old by wearing his signature flannel, thongs and Akubra hat to his funeral.

Lleyton Bartlett and his 25-year-old co-worker Aaron Pitt were repairing a broken-down bus on the side of Nambour Connection Rd when the pair were allegedly hit and killed by a car on April 21, 2022.

The death of the two young men sent shockwaves through the Sunshine Coast community, with GoFundMe campaigns launched for both CDC employees.

Mr Bartlett’s parents, Lisa and Darren, farewelled their second son at Gregson and Weight Funeral Home in Buderim on Friday, May 13.

In a eulogy read out by the funeral celebrant on their behalf, the grieving parents told those attending how much their son lived his life to the fullest always with a “cheeky smile”.

Lleyton Bartlett, 22, was one of two young mechanics who died after a horror crash on Nambour Connection Rd on Thursday, April 21, 2022.

“He was loyal and generous and first to lend a hand,” the celebrant said on behalf of the Bartlett family.

“He was always living in the fast lane and always took on any challenge thrown his way.”

His younger brother Jai told fond memories of how the pair were “stuck like glue” growing up.

“He’s my rock, my best friend and will always guide me through life no matter where you are”, the celebrant said on behalf of Jai.

Mr Bartlett had completed his heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship at CDC in December, 2021, after finding his passion for fixing things earlier on in life.

Lleyton Bartlett's funeral on May 13, 2022.

CDC chief executive Tony Hopkins spoke on behalf of Mr Bartlett’s colleagues to pay their respect to their friend.

“The last three weeks have been extremely difficult for many people, we’ve lost two very important people,” Mr Hopkins said, acknowledging Mr Pitt who was also killed in the crash.

“Lleyton was an all around great bloke, real larrikin, full of life.

“He made coming to work worthwhile even though he was generally messy in the workshop, he would leave his tools everywhere but would insist he would know where everything was.

“Lleyton is and was loved by his workmates, he will forever have a place in our hearts.”

Lleyton Bartlett's funeral on May 13, 2022.

Friends of Lleyton also spoke of their fond memories.

“We truly never shared a dull moment together,” one friend said.

“With his classic smile and famous Akubra, he went through your life with such passion.

“He was a hardworking, selfless bloke and always gave a hand when any of the boys needed.

“He was the perfect mate.”

Lleyton Bartlett (middle) pictured with friends at Immanuel Lutheran College.

Mr Bartlett’s former construction teacher, Immanuel Lutheran College principal Colin Minke said the school would honour their former student by mounting a plaque with his name on it on the bridge he helped build in 2017.

“We will never forget his love of life, his cheeky smile and the energy he brought into the room when he entered,” Mr Minke said.

Mr Bartlett’s girlfriend of six years, Paige Law, spoke of her loss at the funeral about their love story.

Lleyton Bartlett's girlfriend Paige Law paid tribute to her boyfriend. Picture: Paige Law

Despite him always being covered in grease, Ms Law said she would always make sure Mr Bartlett hugged her for more than 20 seconds because it was good for both of them.

She said Mr Bartlett would now be her “forever angel” and she would miss his “courageous and ambitious” heart.

The talented sportsman was remembered also by former teammates and coaches who attended the funeral dressed in their team colours.

Mr Bartlett – who was an avid camper – had his swag and a couple of cans of his favourite Bundy and Cola rums resting on his coffin, with his beloved truck waiting out the front of the funeral parlour as his loved ones said farewell one last time.