Teen killed in KFC brawl on NSW North Coast ‘treasured gold’

Tributes are flowing for a teenager whose life was cut short after a brawl in a KFC carpark turned deadly on Sunday night.

A teenager who had been working as a labourer on flood-affected homes on the NSW North Coast has been remembered as a “bright” young man with a “lot of life in him” after he was fatally stabbed during a brawl over the weekend.

Police were called to Casino KFC around 5pm on Sunday following reports of a brawl, only to find 17-year old Lachlan Andrews suffering serious stab wounds.

The teenager, from Canberra, died at the scene – he was due to turn 18 this month.

His elder sister, Paige Dopson, launched a GoFundMe page on Tuesday to raise money to transport her brother's body back to Canberra for his funeral.

Lachie Andrews was helping to rebuild homes in northern NSW after the flood crisis. Picture: Facebook

Already the fundraiser has exceeded its goal, raising more than $11,000.

“He was strong and hard working, he overcame many life challenges over and over again always proving to us and making us proud,” Ms Dopson said.

The Canberra teen left behind a pregnant girlfriend and he intended to help raise her child despite t not being his own, Ms Dopson told ABC News.

Jemimah Lake, the pregnant girlfriend of 17-year-old Lachie Andrews, described him as her ‘angel’. Picture: Facebook

“Lachlan was such a bright person he had a lot of life in him,” she said.

“There wasn’t an ounce of bad in you, you were treasured gold.”

Her fiance Jorge Fernandez shared a photo of him lifting the teenager into the air at a themed birthday party.

Lachie and his elder sister's fiance, Jorge Fernandez, at a party. Picture Facebook

“Love you lil man and I wish you a safe journey to the heavens R. I. P brother I will always have you in my heart,” he said.

Lachie had spent time in Casino working as a labourer for Mike Marlor, who said his family was devastated by the news.

“Heart broken to receive the news my labourer and good friend Lachie Andrews was tragically murdered yesterday in a senseless stabbing at a KFC,” Mr Marlor said.

Lachie had worked as a labourer in Casino. Picture Facebook

“We will miss you little brother, you won‘t be forgotten.”

Friend Nick Hart lived with Lachie for 18 months and worked with him at Tweed Escapes, a boat tour company, on the NSW border.

“He had the most disgustingly beautiful mullet and the best future ahead of him,” Mr Hart said.

They lost their home during the disastrous floods that hit the Northern Rivers region a few months ago.

Lachie moved to Murwillumbah 18 months ago with friend Nick Hart. Picture: Facebook

He aided in clean-up efforts and had been working as a labourer on flood-affected homes when he was killed.

“I’ll miss you my man so much. I‘m glad to know we had your best years together!”

Mr Hart said that the young man had plans to become a partner in his vinyl wrapping business in the coming weeks.

“He grew from a kid to a very respectful man in a short time,” he said.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged over Lachie’s alleged murder as well as reckless wounding and affray.

Originally published as Teen killed in KFC brawl on NSW North Coast ‘treasured gold’