Jason Nguyen, teen killed by truck in Bankstown, farewelled at funeral
TEENAGER Jason Nguyen loved animals, the church and his friends, but most of all he loved his family. That was the way the 16-year-old was remembered at his funeral today, eight days after he lost his life in a horrific truck accident 200m from his home.
NSW
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TEENAGER Joseph ‘Jason’ Nguyen loved animals, the church and his friends, but most of all he loved his family.
That was the way the 16-year-old was remembered eight days after he lost his life in a horrific truck accident 200m from his Bankstown home.
During the packed service at St Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, Revesby, this afternoon, his father sang a touching tribute to his son in his native Vietnamese language.
A statement from his father Nguyen Truong Giang, mother Nguyen Thuy Hoai Linh, and younger siblings James and Emily, said he was devoted to his family.
“He doted on his younger siblings, especially Emily, and would be always willing to help with work after school,” the family said in the statement.
“When Jason first started at Moorebank High School he wanted to become a zookeeper.
“However, to our delight he became a star academic performer and announced his goal of becoming a doctor.
“We have faith that the lord has big plans for Jason in heaven whether as a doctor or zookeeper.”
The funeral was followed by a committal service at Rookwood Catholic Cemetery.
Jason was killed Friday, August 31 when truck driver George Kyriakidis, 43, allegedly veered onto the painted median strip and collided with the boy.
The accident happened on the corner of Chapel Rd South and Edward St just before 5pm.
Jason had just got off the bus on his way home from Moorebank High School.
He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital but died at 6pm.
“There are no words to express our grief for the passing of our beloved son and we pray that the lord will care for his soul,” the family said.
“All the love and support we have received during this tragic loss of our dear son Jason Nguyen has been overwhelming and made us realise how lucky we are to live in this great country.”
Kyriakidis, a married father of three, has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasion death, and not keep left of median strip — motor vehicle.
His wife Elizabeth Kyriakidis, from Panania, posted $100,000 bail without security to give her husband bail last Saturday, September 1.
Kyriakidis’ lawyer Louis Katsinas said last week “this is a dreadful and tragic set of circumstances which will have a profound and everlasting impact on a number families”.
Kyriakidis will appear at Bankstown Local Court October 24.
A power pole at the southwest Sydney intersection has become a shrine for the popular student.
“You have been in my class since year one and I don’t know what to feel that now you are gone,” a teacher named Jocelyn wrote in a message at the Edward St shrine.
“You have been in my class since year one and I don’t know what to feel that now you are gone,” a teacher named Jocelyn wrote in a message at the shrine.
“It’s honestly so surreal that I’ll never hear your laugh, that you’ll never ask when I’m working next so you can come by food.
“You were an amazing person. You were funny, kind, smart and it’s so unfair that you’re gone. I’ll miss you always and will always remember you.”
A friend also celebrated Jason for infectious laugh and smile.
“You were the weirdest, craziest, most unique person you could meet and we all love you for it,” friend Paris wrote.
“You were always happy and making people laugh and smile and it breaks my heart that you were taken so soon.”