Teenager’s road death: Friends remember Elliot Bennett

THE teenager killed when his ute slammed into a parked flat bed tow truck early this morning had been driving for just six months.

A TEENAGER who had been driving for only six months was killed in the early hours of the morning when he slammed his ute into a parked flat bed tow truck in Thornleigh.

Elliot Bennett, 17, died upon impact when he struck the metal tray of the tow truck around 1.30am on Thursday despite the best efforts of his friends, who were driving in a vehicle behind him and administered first aid.

His passenger, also 17, was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital with minor injuries.

Police said today they were investigating the role alcohol played in the tragedy.

Elliot Bennett died at the scene of the accident despite the best efforts of friends. Picture: Bill Hearne

“At this stage, we will be looking at speed as a factor as well as whether there was any alcohol or drugs involved,” Kuring-Gai Police Area Commander Superintendent Jennifer Scholz said.

Bennett’s friends this evening issued a statement saying he will be missed.

“We were absolutely gutted by today’s news. Elliot was an awesome friend, genuine and down to earth, and always making us laugh.

“Even though he was a little bloke, he had a massive heart.”

Elliot Bennett’s car was being followed by another containing friends at the time of the crash.

“This is how we want our friend to be remembered — not by one mistake, but for all of the joy and fun he brought to all of our lives. We will all deeply miss him, but we know our memories of him will keep making us smile.”

A Thornleigh local said the crash scene was extremely confronting.

“You try and do what you can but he just wasn’t well,” he said.

The man said the passenger in the ute escaped with “not even a scratch”.

“He was obviously shaken up getting out of the car after seeing how his mate was,” he said.

Another witness said the passenger managed to get out of the vehicle very quickly.

The scene of the accident in Duffy Ave the morning after. Picture: Sam McBeath

“We were out here in the times it takes to throw a pair of shorts and a T-shirt on but he was already out of the car and on the other side,” he said.

A blue Ford Fiesta with red P-plates was parked just a short distance from the crash and was following the ute at the time of the crash, according to the witness.

“It was following them with some more of his mates in it.”

Friends posted tributes to the teen on Facebook.

“So sad. Couldn’t believe it when I heard the news. Gone way too soon. Was a wonderful young MAN. RIP. Will be dearly missed,” wrote Robert Bennett.