Family mourn sudden loss of ‘little brother’ in shock KFC stabbing

The heartbroken mother and siblings of a teenager stabbed during a ‘love triangle’ brawl outside a KFC car park in Casino have spoken of the devastation of losing a young man who made such a difference in his short life.

The heartbroken mother and siblings of a teenager stabbed during a brawl outside a KFC car park in Casino have spoken of the devastation of losing a young man who was just days away from turning 18.

Lachlan Andrews, 17, suffered fatal stab wounds after an arranged meeting with another teen escalated into a brawl.

The teen, 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”

Police were called to the scene in the car park where they located the 17 year old along with 18 year old Harrison Hone.

Mr Andrews died at the scene while Mr Hone was taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a stable condition.

It has been alleged the fight was over who was the father of Mr Andrews partner’s baby.

Mr Andrews’ sister Hayleigh said the baby was not her brother’s but he was prepared to help raise it.

Police arrested another 17 year old at a Casino address over the stabbing and have charged him with murder, reckless wounding and affray.

He was refused bail to reappear in the children’s court July 27.

‘I’M JUST SO LOST’: MUM’S TRIBUTE TO SON

“I’m just so lost”: Lachlan Andrews with his mum.

Mr Andrews’ mother said her son overcame many hurdles and just kept trying.

“No matter what, he never gave up,” she said.

“He fought so hard for what he loves and would do anything to keep his family together.”

She said he grew into a man too fast.

“He stuffed as much life as he could into that 17 years,” she said.

“He always told me not to cry, but it’s hard not to.”

GOING TO START A NEW BUSINESS

Nick Hart was a close friend of the teen, the pair met in Canberra, grew close and set their minds to furthering their passion for cars and boats in Murwillumbah.

“I met Lachie at young age as my neighbour,” Mr Hart said.

“I took Lachie under my wing, learning how to work on cars, bikes, and painting.”

“He had the most disgustingly beautiful Mullet.”: Lachlan Andrews onsite with good friend Nick Hart.

Since moving up to Murwillumbah the teen learned how to fish, drive boats, worked in a tourism business Tweed Escapes. He also helped to build and repair commercial vessels.

The two men were planning to open a vinyl wrap shop in Murwillumbah in the next two weeks.

“He just got his licence first go two weeks ago,” Mr Hart said.

He said the young man made friends everywhere he went.

ME Andrews was about to head back to Canberra for training the night he was killed.

“He really was a young man who had an amazing future … I will miss him deeply forever.”

SISTER: ‘I’LL NEVER FORGET HIS GOOFINESS’

“The best brother anyone could have asked for”: Lachlan Andrews with sister Hayleigh Andrews.

Sister Hayleigh Andrews, 18, is closest in age to Lachlan.

“Lachie was my sidekick,” Ms Andrews said. “We grew up like twins.”

“All my life he’s been there, supported me, he played dolls with me and did makeup with me.”

Ms Andrews described her brother as her best friend, someone she could confide in and who always had her back.

“I’ll never forget his goofiness and neither will his friends,” Ms Andrews said.

Devoted and protective his nieces adored him and called him “uncle wocky”.

“They were talking to him the same day he left us,” she said.

Ms Andrews said her brother had many more years to live and that he took the best part of her with him.

“I’ll miss him until I see him again,” Ms Dopson said.

TRIBUTES FROM CANBERRA TO GOLD COAST

Lachlan Andrews with sister Alecia Dopson.

An outpouring of grief from communities from Canberra to the Gold Coast spoke of a hard working, loyal and a ‘sincerely good young man’ who was taken too soon.

Friends said the tragic loss has shattered the family.

Sister Alecia Dopson posted on social media “I miss him so much already, I’m absolutely shattered … my little brother was way too young to go … not like this …”

“In just 26 days we were all singing happy birthday for your 18th. You weren’t ready to go yet,” Ms Dopson said.

HOW LACHLAN HELPED AUTISTIC BOY

Family in Canberra have praised the impact that Mr Andrews made on Tyson, an autistic boy Andrews befriended and helped turn his life around in high school.

“I was picked on every day,” Tyson said, “They were the hardest years of my life. I hated it and I hated my autism. I hated myself because I couldn’t change so that people would like me.

“Then one day [Lachlan] stuck up for me.

“I went from having no friends to being included in your group of friends, not feeling alone, and finally having the brother I always wanted.”

Tyson said he couldn’t believe Lachlan was gone.

“You are my brother and I can’t believe I can’t talk to you every day any more.”

Tyson’s mum, Rhiannan said it is truly heartbreaking they will never see Lachlan’s caring and cheeky self again.

“A piece of my heart has been ripped out forever,” she said.

Sister, Paige Dopson, 23 said her brother always put a smile on their faces.

From singing silly songs like “it’s a good day to be out fishing ” to monkeying around at family gatherings, Lachlan creatively found ways to entertain and amuse those he loved.

Mr Andrews is remembered as a strong, proud and outgoing young man with a lot of life in him.

A ‘treasured soul’ with a heart of gold, those who knew him loved him.

Sisters Hayleigh and Paige are preparing to have their brother’s body returned to the ACT.

“There wasn’t an ounce of bad in you,” Ms Dopson said.

“You’ll never be forgotten – taken too soon.”

A TRIBUTE FOR LACHLAN

Brother Brent Dopson wrote this for Lachlan

You had grown,

Up from being troubled,

Into such a noble young man,

Leaping over every obstacle

So much so

That wherever you go

leaving your mark upon this earth,

Where ever your 2 feet would land.

In times of grief or hardship,

You would be always quick to take the chance,

To stand upfront,

Before us all

To perform your kicker dance.

Holding your head up high,

While sporting your heart upon your sleeve,

It truly but deeply saddens me, to know,

That from this world you must leave.

With a heart as strong as yours,

And that burning fiery passion,

Would be a waste

To embrace

Anything less than

My strong brother Lachlan