Buxton tragedy: Heartbreak continues as final two victims Summer Williams and Antonio Desisto laid to rest
The heartbreak continued at the funerals of the last of five teens killed in the Buxton crash — Summer Williams and Antonio Desisto — as a father revealed a touching tribute to his son.
NSW
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The last two victims of the horrific Buxton car crash were laid to rest as thousands flocked to commemorate the lives of Antonio “Tony” Desisto, 15, and Summer Williams, 14 at their respective services at Picton and Leppington on Monday.
The pair were among five teens killed in the tragic crash, survived only by the driver, on September 6.
Antonio’s father Exaven Desisto, paid tribute to his 15-year-old son, unveiling with a head tattoo featuring his son’s name and a red rose. He told mourners “my heart has been split in two”.
PINK FOR SUMMER
At the first funeral at midday, hundreds gathered to farewell Summer at St Marks Anglican Church in Picton.
Attendees — some in pink jackets, others with pink ribbons in their hair — wore the colour in honour of the 14-year-old.
Family and friends wept as the bright pink casket, adorned in roses, was brought into the church.
Two of Summer’s siblings, Lincoln and Gemma, spoke at the church, remembering their sister and encouraging people to remember how precious life is.
“I love you so much, your personality, your laugh and your big heart,” Mr Williams emotionally said.
“When I had no one to help me I always knew I could count on you, my little sister.
“I was looking forward to watching you grow up into the beautiful young woman you were becoming. You’re the best person I’d had in my life, and someone I was proud to call my sister.
“I just wish you were here so I could tell you I love you.
“I’m going to miss you so much, Summer. They say that dying is a part of life, but I wish it wasn’t.
“I miss you, Summer.”
Fighting tears, Gemma Williams left a poetic and emotional tribute for her little sister:
“Someone that gives me purpose, gives me laughter, gives me light,” she said.
“She gives me so much happiness, so I always felt I was right.
“When I taught you how to drive, that was a secret until now, you picked it up so easily, you really made me proud.
“We used to surf together, but bodyboarding was a disaster. That was one of the little things you simply couldn’t master.
“Now I have to teach myself to smile as the one that made me smile isn’t here. I will always hold you in my heart, I will always hold you near.”
ANTONIO’S EMOTIONAL FAREWELL
Just 90 minutes later, a community devastated by tragedy came together for a fifth time to commemorate the life of 15-year-old Antonio at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Leppington.
In his eulogy, Antonio’s father, Exaven Desisto looked back at the special bond he shared with his “best friend.”
“The brightest light to shine upon the entire world in our darkest times,” he said.
“As always you’d say ‘God bless you, I love you dad’.
“Rest easy, my friend.”
Other friends and family spoke before home videos of Antonio were displayed to the mass of mourners.
The three other teens killed in the crash — Gabriella McLennan, Lily Van de Putte and Tyrese Bechard, were all remembered at funeral services last week and over the weekend.
On September 15, Tyrese Bechard was farewelled in a moving church ceremony at Picton where more than 250 friends and family gathered, describing him as “cheeky kid” with “contagious energy”.
The next day, a similar sized crowd of friends and family gathered in Tahmoor to farewell Lily Van De Putte in a deeply moving funeral service.
On Saturday, a funeral was held for Gabby McLennan at Forest Lawn Memorial Park at Leppington on Saturday.
She was remembered as a “tomboy” who loved soccer and horse riding and was inseparable from long time friend Lily Van De Putte.
On the night that the five teens died, they had told their parents they were going on a “Maccas run” but reportedly drove around for hours. Alarm bells were raised when they didn’t return home.
The lawyer for Tyrell Edwards, the teenager charged over the crash, asked a Sydney court for an expedited listing for a second bail application.
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