Tributes flow for Jefin John after crash death in Coolac

A Wagga church minister is being mourned after tragically losing his life in a crash along the Hume Hwy in the Riverina.

Jefin John is being mourned following his death in a fatal car and truck crash in Coolac, north of Gundagai, on August 6, 2023. Picture: Facebook

Tributes are flowing for a young church minister who lost his life in a truck and car crash outside Gundagai.

Jefin John was found dead by Riverina District Police about 5.10pm on Sunday following a crash between a car and truck along the Hume Hwy in Coolac.

The truck driver was treated by paramedics before they were taken to Gundagai District Hospital for mandatory testing and further treatment for minor injuries.

In the days since Mr John’s death, tributes have painted the picture of a promising university student who lost his life at the age of 23.

It’s understood Mr John was a radiology student at the Charles Sturt University and was a minister of the Wagga St Basil Jacobite Syrian Church.

Jefin John. Picture: Contributed

Mr John was also part of the Malankara Catholic Church and was born in India before moving to Adelaide.

Multiple religious and community organisations have since paid tribute to the devoted university student.

Jefin John. Picture: Instagram

“AMMA executive committee, along with all its members, expresses our deepest condolences,” Adelaide and Metropolitan Malayalee Association wrote.

“Let us extend our prayerful support to the grieving family at this time of grief and loss.”

St Mary’s Syro-Malabar Parish community also shared their condolences and prayers for Mr John and his family and friends.

“May his soul rest in peace,” the group wrote.

“Wagga Malayalis are deeply saddened by the loss of Jefin John,” another post read.

“WWMA extends our deepest condolences to Jefin‘s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant his family the strength to endure this great pain.”

“Rip Jeffin … you have gone way too early,” one friend wrote.

“May his soul rest in peace,” another posted.

A report into Mr John’s death will be prepared for the Coroner.