Marsden Park crash, Ryan Dimech: Soccer community, family pays tribute
The 22-year-old will be honoured this weekend, just three months after he lost his life in a tragic crash.
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The family and friends of a man who tragically died after a car crash in Marsden Park last year will honour his memory at a special sporting match.
Ryan Dimech, 22, of Londonderry, suffered critical injuries when an oncoming car collided head-on with his Hyundai on Richmond Rd on November 20.
Sadly, he passed away at Westmead Hospital the following morning.
Ryan, an avid soccer fan, was on his way home from a game when the tragedy struck.
The local soccer community will come together for a memorial game, the Ryan Dimech Memorial Cup, at Blacktown Football Park this Saturday, February 22.
His father, Robert, recalled his lifelong passion for the game.
“His Opa (Pop) was mad about soccer and pushed Ryan down that path, always playing in the backyard, teaching him to kick with both feet and how to head the ball,” Mr Dimech said.
“His Opa and I coached him for the first few years at Blacktown Spurs Soccer Club, he then went on to play for the Doonside Hawks, where he basically remained right up until now, apart from a year or two where he went and played for Prospect United, but ended up back with Doonside.”
Ryan’s weekly schedule was filled with his sporting commitments, playing indoor soccer with his father in the Hawkesbury, along with futsal and seven-a-side comps.
Mr Dimech said Ryan always put his family and friends first.
“He would give you the shirt off his back, lend his mates his car – always picking them up and driving them around,” he said.
“He always went out of his way to give his mum a hug every day, even at 22 years old, and send her love heart emojis from time to time for no reason at all.
“He always sent me jokes, never cared much for material things apart from his new car and his new bike he just bought.”
He said Ryan’s death had devastated his family and the local community.
“His death has affected many people in the community, we have a very large group of friends that will never be the same again, as for his mum, sister and I, I have no words really, we are totally lost without him,” he said.
Ryan’s former school, St Andrews College Marayong, has also paid tribute.
“Ryan completed Year 10 at St Andrews College in 2012 and then enrolled at Loyola for Year 11 and 12,” a statement from the school said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ryan’s family and his friends at this very sad time.”
The Ryan Dimech Memorial Cup will take place on Saturday, February 22, at Blacktown Football Park, Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill. Reserve grade kick off 2pm. First grade 4pm.