Thornleigh fatality: family, Pennant Hills High School mourn death of Dylan Langhorne, 14, in wet weather commute
The youngest victim of the monster storm that ravaged Sydney yesterday has been revealed as shocked family and school friends took to social media to pay tribute to the 14-year-old.
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The Pennant Hills High School community is, once again this year, mourning the loss of one of its own — after a monster storm resulted in the death of a teenage boy in a two-car collision at Thornleigh yesterday.
The Hornsby Advocate can reveal high school staff and students were being notified of the death of 14-year-old Dylan Langhorne, understood to be a Year 8 student at the school.
Dylan was killed about 9am on Wednesday morning during a nightmare commute through Sydney’s upper north shore, when his 17-year-old brother, driving on P-plates, collided with a Land Rover on The Esplanade, Thornleigh, before hitting two parked cars.
Dylan’s father, Shane Langhorne, said he would miss his son’s outgoing personality and love for life.
“He was just a vibrant kid,” Mr Langhorne said.
“He just had a happy soul – a real happy soul and a great sense of humour. He loved his family and his mates.”
Mr Langhorne said his son was yet to decide what he wanted to be when he grew up but devoted endless hours to his love of soccer.
“He just loved his soccer, he was happy doing sport and that was his thing,” he said.
Mr Langhorne said Dylan’s older brother was recovering in hospital.
“We’re managing the best we can with our family and the community,” he said.
The 14-year-old’s stepmother, Janda Thompson expressed her anguish in a post on social media.
“If only I could hold my boy another time, I love you,” she said.
“Today was a tragic accident.
“I will never forget our special bond we had and you could tell me anything. Love you my darling and if you could see the most amazing support we are getting today which you would hate.”
Ms Thompson said the teenager would “always be by my side” telling her fiance, Shane Langhorne he knew they were “the best parents”.
Family friend, Veryan McAlister set up a GoFundMe page, which has already raised more than $5000, to support the Langhorne family with funeral costs.
“They will need all our help in helping to look after the four children and their grief for Dylan,” Ms McAlister’s post said.
“Donations will go towards the cost of the funeral — a very small thing to help them at this awful time.
One staff member, who did not wish to be named, said the school had “suffered this year” after several deaths rocked the close community, telling the Advocate the boy was “a good student and a sweet kid”.
While a statement from the Pennant Hills High School leadership team said students hearts were broken as they learnt about the passing of a “dearly loved student” — the fourth killed from the school this year after a double homicide in July.
“We cannot begin to explain the heartbreak this has brought upon our school and its community,” the statement said.
“Our thoughts, hopes and prayers are with the family, friends, students and teachers who are grieving.
“If anyone feels they are having difficulties coping during such a tough time, please do not hesitate to seek help from any of our teachers or counselors (sic).
“Pennant Hills High School is a community. In times like these, we are not torn apart, we unite and are only brought closer together. We will find the strength to get through these incomprehensible times.”
Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock expressed his condolences to the family.
“I am appalled at what has happened,” Cr Ruddock said.
“It is tragic that a young person is taken in the prime of his life, in this way.
“Yesterday saw very difficult conditions on our roads and Hornsby Council will investigate to determine if the road was partially accountable in any way.”
Cr Ruddock said students of Pennant Hills High School are coming together in a time of need once again.
Hornsby state Liberal MP Matt Kean said the family were the lifeblood of the Westleigh and Thornleigh Thunder Soccer Club.
“We are all heartbroken at the tragic loss of this beautiful boy,” Mr Kean said.
“The family have done so much for the community, so it is incredible important that the community do all it can to support them at this tragic time.”
Transport for NSW crash statistics data revealed 17 serious incidents had occurred on The Esplanade and Yarrara Rd, Thornleigh, since 2013.
The teenager’s football club, Thornleigh Thunder FC, also offered its condolences.
“With the heaviest heart and the most enormous sadness we humbly offer our deepest sympathies to Shane and Janda and families,” a spokesman for the club said in a Facebook post.
“None of us can comprehend how they feel right now, nor begin to know what to say or do. On your behalf Thunder Family we send our/your combined condolences at this mind numbing time.”
A NSW Education Department spokesman said the school community’s thoughts and heartfelt sympathy were with the student’s family and friends.
“The Pennant Hills High School community is deeply saddened by the passing of a student. The student was a much loved member of the school,” the spokesman said.
“Pennant Hills High School is working closely with students and staff to support them during this difficult time.
“They have extensive support in place for those impacted by this tragic event.”
Additional reporting by Derrick Krusche
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