Mount Gambier community to remember siblings Isaac and Keziah Eykelenburg killed in horrific multi-car crash

Two young children who lost their lives in a horrific multi-car smash will be laid to rest by their grieving family later this week.

Young siblings who lost their lives in a horrific crash, in October, will be laid to rest.

Family and friends of the late Isaac and Keziah Eykelenburg, who died in a crash on the Riddoch Highway 5km south of Nangwarry, will gather on Friday.

Isaac was only five years old and Keziah just 15 when the crash claimed their lives.

Their parents, Chris and Paula and two other siblings — a daughter aged 13 and son aged six — survived the multi-vehicle crash.

Grieving father Chris Eykelenburg, 42, told The Advertiser at the time of the crash in October, that he and his wife, 46, were thankful for the support from the community in his family’s time of need.

“My wife and I are grateful for anything given what we’ve lost,” he said at the time.

Sorrentos Café head chef Chris Eykelenburg. Picture: The SE Voice

“I’m still trying to come to terms with everything and I’m still in hospital.

“I thank all the emergency services for their efforts, I can’t fault them for everything they tried to do for us, they were so supportive.”

Mr Eykelenburg is an award-winning chef and was head chef at Sorrentos when it was awarded the Australian Good Food Guide Reader’s Choice Award in 2023.

Investigations indicate the family was travelling in a grey Toyota station wagon that had braked to avoid hitting a black Holden sedan that had hit an emu.

Prior to the crash, Mr Eykelenburg, who had worked there since 2010, had been made redundant with the cafe going into receivership in October 15 this year.

The children’s funeral will be on December 13 at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre in Mount Gambier from 11am.

For those unable to attend, their service will be able to be viewed via live stream on South East Funerals Facebook page and website.

Investigations indicate the Eykelenburg family was travelling in a grey Toyota station wagon that had braked to avoid hitting a black Holden sedan that had hit an emu.

The Toyota was then struck from behind by a white Nissan ute.

A fundraiser for the Eyekelenburg family, which has since disabled new donations, amassed more than $100,000.

Originally published as Mount Gambier community to remember siblings Isaac and Keziah Eykelenburg killed in horrific multi-car crash