Northern beaches’ Lachlan Burleigh, Ben Sawyer and Luke Shanahan named as the young men killed in horrific crash at Sydney’s North West

Triple Tragedy: Lachlan Burleigh, Ben Sawyer and Luke Shanahan have been named as the three peninsula boys who died in a horric crash at Sydney’s North West yesterday.

Lachlan Burleigh — one of the three peninsula boys killed in an horrific crash at Sydney’s North West over the weekend — was just three weeks away from graduating.

The 17-year-old Oxford Falls Grammar student has been described by his headmaster as a delightful young man.

Luke Shanahan. Picture: Facebook

Ben Sawyer. Picture: Facebook

“The thing I remember most about him was his beautiful smile and his happy go lucky approach to life,” said Geoff Fouracre.

“He was a delightful man who loved the ocean — he would surf every day, rain hail or shine.”

Two other victims of the crash have been named. They are Ben Sawyer, 19, and 21-year-old Luke Shanahan.

Mr Fouracre said extra councillors have been brought in to support students mourning the death of Mr Burleigh from Warriewood — who had been a pupil at the school since kindergarten.

“Many of the staff here knew Lachlan his entire life,” said Mr Fouracre.

“We’re trying to provide as much support as possible and counselling for students and parents of the school.”

“It’s a devastating blow for the whole school community — we’re all in mourning.”

One of Luke Shanahan’s close friends posted a tribute photo collage on Facebook.

“Wish I could wake up and this was all a bad dream but it is real. Still can’t comprehend your gone, thanks for all the good times and being such a legend,” he said.

“I feel blessed to call you one of my closest mates and I’m glad I got to spend your last moments partying with you just like you would have wanted.

Lachlan Burleigh was one of three northern beaches youngsters who died in the crash. Picture: Facebook

We will never forget you, I love you brother. Rest in peace x.

Friends of Ben Sawyer, who lived in Freshwater and was affectionally known as “Nugsy”, also posted tributes.

“One of the greatest best blokes I know, I love you so much nugsy,” one friend wrote.

“Such a tragedy, going to miss seeing your big smile around freshie. Forever in our hearts Ben Sawyer. Taken to early RIP,” another posted.

The crash was the fourth fatal in three days, with a motorcyclist dying in Picton yesterday afternoon and two men dying in separate crashes on Friday.

The accident occurred at 3:30pm on Sunday on the Bells Line of Road between Bilpin and Kurmond.

The scene of yesterday’s crash.

Police said five young men — all northern beaches residents — were travelling in a Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD heading east when they collided with a Subaru sedan.

It’s understood they were returning from a dance party in the Blue Mountains area.

Police said the crash occurred on a section of the road that had been resurfaced in recent times due to a double-fatality at the same spot several years.

The driver of the 4WD and the front-seat passenger, both from Freshwater, survived the collision, as did the couple in their 80s in the Subaru.

They were all taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.