Family, friends rally around family of Cerith Smith following death on June 30
A young family’s world has been shattered after a doting dad and cherished partner was killed driving home from work in southwest Sydney.
The Express
Don't miss out on the headlines from The Express. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A young family’s world has been shattered after a 34-year-old father and partner was killed driving home from work in southwest Sydney.
Cerith Smith, of Hillsdale in southeast Sydney, died in a collision at Milperra on June 30, when he was driving home from work about 5.10pm.
His van collided with a truck, driven by a 53-year-old man, at Henry Lawson Drive.
NSW Paramedics treated Mr Smith but he died at the scene, devastating Michelle Montgomery who is now left to raise their eight-month-old son Cai without her partner.
“He was the most loving partner, the best and most hands on dad to King Cai and someone who brought so much laughter, kindness and cheek into everyone’s lives,’’ she wrote in an online tribute.
Ms Montgomery’s friend Jacqui Fernley said the death had left the young family heartbroken.
“In an instant, the future they had been building together – full of love, hope and dreams – was torn apart,’’ she said
“Cerith wasn’t just Michelle’s partner. He was the devoted father of their beautiful eight-month-old son, Baby Cai.’’
With no life insurance, Michelle’s friends have organised a GoFundMe fundraiser to ease the “unimaginable” grief of losing her partner and raising her baby alone.
The costs will allow her time and space to grieve, without the crushing weight of financial pressure, along with going towards funeral costs to honour Cerith’s memory.
The funds will also go towards securing a home for the family, as well as child care and everyday expenses.
“Michelle is doing everything she can to give baby Cai a stable home – but she cannot do this alone,’’ Ms Fernley said.
“We are rallying around her and baby Cai to lift this heavy burden. Every dollar helps Michelle grieve and take steps to realise the future dreams she and Cerith had planned for their family and baby Cai.’’
Mr Smith’s funeral will be held at Matraville on Thursday and will be streamed to family in Wales.
Man charged over vicious assault remains behind bars
A 24-year-old man has been charged over a brutal assault on another man more than twice his age, which police allege was an attempt to murder him.
$330 more: ‘Ludicrous’ power bill hikes for 500,000 in NSW
An electricity retailer owned by the federal government has raised its NSW prices by a whopping 15 per cent. See if you’re affected and watch the video on how to get a better deal.