Teenager charged over the crash deaths of five mates struggled socially and academically: court

Mum Renee Edwards gave the Supreme Court a detailed insight into her eldest son Tyrell’s struggles, revealing his only close friend was an online friend named “Sam”.

The mother of Buxton fatal crash driver Tyrrell Edwards has revealed the academic and social struggles her eldest son faced growing up, and how he didn’t have many friends, except for an online mate called “Sam”.

Renee Edwards, 37, gave the Supreme Court a detailed insight into her eldest son’s difficult upbringing which she claims impacted his mental state during his formative adolescent years.

Edwards, 18, is facing five counts of dangerous driving causing death after ploughing into a tree at Buxton on September 6. His five passengers Antonio Desisto, Lily Van De Putte, Gabby McLennan, Summer Williams and Tyrese Bechard died instantly.

In an affidavit to the court to support Edwards getting bail, Mrs Edwards said her son struggled through primary and high school, and had difficulty making and maintaining friends.

“From a young age Tyrell presented issues with social anxiety, issues with showing emotion and social awareness,” she said.

Tyrell Edwards and his mum Renee Edwards. Picture: Instagram

Edwards was behind the wheel of a Nissan Navara ute when it ploughed into a tree at Buxton on September 6. Five passengers died at the scene.

“Tyrell displayed behaviours, for example flapping arms, from a young age. Flapping would display his level of excitement...Tyrell tried a variety of sports but never stuck to a full season. I witnessed Tyrell struggle to engage with peers his own age in school and social environments.”

Mrs Edwards told the court he didn’t have many “stable friends” during school, and if he did start to make friendships, he would withdraw himself “for no reason at all”.

Flowers, tributes and mementos left at the site of the crash in Buxton in which 5 teenagers lost their lives. Picture: Julian Andrews

On his 18th birthday, Edwards stayed home and didn’t go out to celebrate, the court was told.

Mrs Edwards said she noticed a “rapid decline” in Edwards during the Covid pandemic, and his siblings made her aware of “depressing” posts he was making on social media.

“Tyrell was withdrawn during the Covid period, spending most of his days sleeping. Tyrrell’s only real past time was to play games with his siblings and he made a friend online “Sam”.”

Mrs Edwards said she recently noticed an improvement in Edwards’ moods and demeanour when he got a job at a local excavation company, and was enjoying it.

14-year-old Lily Van De Putte was killed in the crash.

15-year-old Antonio Desisto also died.

“In the last six months Tyrell started his employment with (excavation company). In this time I have watched Tyrrell thrive and grow in himself. He has become more engaged in family live and become happier in himself.”

Under his strict bail conditions, Edwards will continue to work at the company 40 hours a week, and must be driven to and from by his mother.

He must only leave his family home in the care of his mother and is banned from getting behind the wheel of a car. He must not approach or contact any prosecution witnesses.

Edwards was allegedly travelling at high speed on East Parade when he lost control of his Nissan Navara ute and slammed into two trees, killing all five passengers who he knew through school.

He will face court again in November.