Memorial service for Barney Wakes-Miller who died in Elanora Heights crash

A memorial service has been planned to allow those who loved and knew high school student Barney Wakes-Miller, who died in a car crash on the northern beaches, to say goodbye.

A photograph of Barney Wakes-Miller which his family has chosen for the cover of the program for his memorial service at St Augustine's College, Brookvale. Picture: Supplied by Wakes-Miller family. Pictures and artwork are not to be reused or published without the express permission of the Wakes-Miller family.

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A memorial service for a popular northern beaches’ teenager who died in a Saturday night road crash will be held at his high school hall on Friday.

Barney Wakes-Miller, who was in Year 11 at St Augustine’s College in Brookvale, died after the car he was travelling in crashed into a stone and iron fence late on July 18.

Barney Wakes-Miller, 17, of Oxford Falls. Picture: Supplied by the Wakes-Miller family

His father Duncan Wakes-Miller released details of the service today which he said would “honour (Barney’s) short but adventure-filled life”.

The highly talented Oxford Falls 17-year-old was a junior champion indoor rock climber and competed in triathlons with his family. Barney had also played rugby league and soccer.

He also had a passion for art since he was a little boy. He was making a name for himself as a brilliant and creative artist and had won a number of school and community art prizes.

A "tag" created by Barney Wakes-Miller. Picture: Supplied by Wakes-Miller family. Pictures and artwork are not to be reused or published without the express permission of the Wakes-Miller family.

A drawing of "Barney’s Hotel" by Barney Wakes-Miller. Picture: Supplied by Wakes-Miller family. Pictures and artwork are not to be reused or published without the express permission of the Wakes-Miller family.

Barney was in the car with four other students from St Augustine’s, and a teenage girl, when it left Caladenia Cl at Elanora Heights at about 11.20pm.

Despite the best efforts of members of the public and ambulance paramedics, Barney, who was in the back seat, suffered critical head injuries and died at the scene.

The 17-year-old driver of the car is facing a string of charges. He will face Surry Hills Children’s Court on August 12.

A self-portrait by Barney Wakes-Miller. Picture: Supplied by Wakes-Miller family. Pictures and artwork are not to be reused or published without the express permission of the Wakes-Miller family.

Mr Wakes-Miller said Barney’s memorial service will begin at 10am on Friday, August 7 at St Augustine’s.

“Barney’s life came to an end in a car accident on Saturday July 18 2020, leaving an

unfathomable loss in the lives of all who knew and loved him,” the family said in a statement.

“On Friday, we will celebrate his brilliance, creativity, and our unending love for him at

a service that will honour his short but adventure-filled life.”

Mr Wakes-Miller said that due to the current COVID-19 restrictions related to funeral attendance and social distancing, the service is invitation only and the number of mourners is strictly limited.

Barney Wakes-Miller (right) with his brothers Arthur (right) and Tenzin, and sister Iona. Picture: Supplied by the Wakes-Miller family.

Those who have not received an invitation or are unable to attend in person, can watch the service via a webcast live stream at https://picaluna.video/barney/.

Mr Wakes-Miller told the Manly Daily on Tuesday: “We miss him terribly. We’re broken hearted.”

The family also wanted to say thank you for the incredible support it has received from friends and the community.

“The St Augustine’s school community has been exceptional too,” Mr Wakes-Miller said.

“The help we have received has been amazing and we are truly grateful for that.

“Messages of support we have gotten from far and wide have been beautiful.”