‘Come home to us’: Family speak out after teenager critically injured in horror crash

The family of a teenager who is on life support after a horror crash west of Brisbane on Friday night say their ‘gentle boy’ was excited to graduate high school in the coming months.

Paxton Retamal was seriously injured in a car crash west of Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

The family of a teenager who is on life support after a horror crash west of Brisbane on Friday night, say their “gentle boy” was excited to graduate high school in the coming months.

Paxton Retamal, 17, was in a Toyota LandCruiser with friends, travelling along Whitmore Crescent in Goodna about 8.30 when the 4WD hit a tree onn the median strip.

It is understood the 4WD then rolled several times.

Paxton, who was in the back seat of the LandCruiser, was critically injured while the driver and front seat passenger – both aged 17 – sustained minor injuries.

They were all taken to the PA hospital while three other passengers – boys aged 16 or 17 – were also treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Paxton’s family have since spoken out as their “gentle boy” continues to fight for life in hospital with a GoFundMe created on their behalf.

“Paxton is a 17-year-old young man who is just about to graduate Year 12 in a few short months,” the family said.

“Paxton’s name means peace, gentle boy … that’s exactly who he is, a gentle boy with a peaceful nature.”

“He is a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a friend to many.

“Growing up Paxton was the quiet one … Paxton is one to chase his dreams and not let anything stop him from getting there – his first word was no and we are confident he is going to fight this battle to come home to us.”

Paxton’s family said the 17-year-old loves welding, gaming, spending time with family and going fishing with his friends.

“Paxton has big dreams and as his family, we are doing everything we can to ensure that his dreams are able to be his reality, after school Paxton wanted to get into the mines to become an engineer,” they said.

“We would like to express our gratitude for all of our family, friends, loved ones and complete strangers who have demonstrated acts of kindness during this difficult time.”

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the crash to determine whether speed or alcohol were factors.