Mount Gambier community remember siblings Isaac and Keziah Eykelenburg killed in horrific multi-car crash

Siblings Isaac and Keziah Eykelenburg, who died in a horrific crash in the state’s South-East, have been laid to rest – as a selfless act by the grieving family was revealed.

A pair of siblings who lost their lives in a horrific crash in the state’s South-East have been laid to rest as a selfless act by the grieving family – which will help save the lives of others –came to light.

Family and friends of Isaac, 5, and Keziah Eykelenburg, 15, who died in a crash on the Riddoch Highway, commemorated their lives at a moving funeral service in Mount Gambier on Friday.

Father Chris Eykelenburg delivered an emotional tribute his little girl and boy before it was revealed the family felt blessed that part of Keziah lived on while helping others through organ donation.

Chris Eykelenburg at the funeral on Friday.

“The last few weeks have been hard, a piece of our hearts is gone – an empty spot left by both of you leaving us so young, challenging us to live with our new normal lives,” he said.

“We still see you when no one else does, we still hear your voices when no one else around me does … we still feel your presence nearby.

“Your memories are in our hearts, our words, our thoughts, our tears and laughter as we continue to speak your names Isaac and Keziah.

He said soon after Keziah was born, she quickly formed a special bond with her father,”

“Soon you became daddy’s little girl, my princess.

“Your smile and laughter were contagious, you had a beautiful sparkle in your eye.

Mr Eykelenburg said soon after Keziah was born, she quickly formed a special bond with her father.

Mr Eykelenburg paid tribute to Isaac’s sensitive side and his caring nature.

Mr Eykelenburg paid tribute to Isaac’s sensitive side and his caring nature.

“You seemed to know when others around you needed comforting,” he said.

“You always reminded me that life at home was more important than work and help me forget all of the worries that I seem to bring home with me.

“I love and miss those cuddles and you snuggling up to me at night for your nightly stories.

It was revealed the family was able to make the decision for Keziah to be an organ donor and help save the lives of a handful of others.

Keziah was able to donate her liver to a middle-aged man.

Her left kidney was transplanted to a young woman who was said to be doing well in recovery and her right kidney was successfully transplanted to a young man in his mid 20s.

She was also about to donate her heart and lungs.

The transplant surgery was successful and the recipient, a teenage boy close to Keziah’s age was said to be recovering well.

Keziah Eykelenburg, 15, died in a crash on the Riddoch Highway 5km south of Nangwarry in October.

Isaac Eykelenburg, 5, also died in the crash.

The Eykelenburg family were involved in the crash on the Riddoch Highway, 5km south of Nangwarry, about 2.40pm on October 27.

Grieving father Chris Eykelenburg, 42, told The Advertiser at the time of the crash in October, that he and his wife, Paula, 46, were thankful for the support from the community in his family’s time of need.

“My wife and I are grateful for anything, given what we’ve lost,” he said at the time.

“I’m still trying to come to terms with everything and I’m still in hospital.

“I thank all the emergency services for their efforts, I can’t fault them for everything they tried to do for us, they were so supportive.”

Mr Eykelenburg is an award-winning chef and was head chef at Sorrentos when it received the Australian Good Food Guide Reader’s Choice Award in 2023.

Prior to the crash, Mr Eykelenburg, who had worked there since 2010, had been made redundant with the cafe going into receivership in October 15 this year.

Investigations indicate the Eykelenburg family was travelling in a grey Toyota station wagon that had braked to avoid hitting a black Holden sedan that had hit an emu.

The Toyota was then struck from behind by a white Nissan ute.

A fundraiser for the Eykelenburg family, which has since disabled new donations, amassed more than $100,000.

Originally published as Mount Gambier community remember siblings Isaac and Keziah Eykelenburg killed in horrific multi-car crash