‘Devastating’: Tragedy as Year 12 student at Sydney private school killed in crash near family’s home

A Year 12 student and rower at one of Sydney’s most exclusive schools has died in a freak accident near his family’s remote farm, triggering a wave of grief in the community.

A Year 12 student and rower at one of Sydney’s most exclusive private schools has died in a horrific car crash near his family’s home.

Stirling Heriot, 17, was killed in a crash near his family’s remote property at Quambone, 200km north of Dubbo, New South Wales, on Friday night.

Emergency services were called to Quambone Road at 6.45pm following reports of a crash and found a teenage driver dead at the scene.

Police said the vehicle had “left the roadway and rolled”.

In a statement on social media, The King’s School in Parramatta, in Sydney’s west, paid tribute to the teenager, who was known for his “generosity” and commitment to the school’s rowing team.

“Stirling was widely admired for his kindness, generosity and willingness to engage warmly with those around him,” the independent Anglican school, which charges boarding students upwards of $80,000 a year, wrote on Facebook.

“A dedicated contributor to school life, he was a committed member of the 2nd IV in Rowing and had previously been involved in Rugby and Cadets.”

The Year 12 student was killed in a crash near his family’s property at Quambone. Picture: Facebook/The King's School

The school said the teenager was “proudly building a tandem-axle multipurpose farm trailer intended for use on the family property as his major project” before he passed.

“His loss will be deeply felt by his family, his friends, the Baker Hake boarding community, his Year 12 peers, and many others across the School who had the privilege of knowing and teaching him,” the school wrote.

“As we navigate this difficult time, our focus will be on supporting one another, especially our students,” it added.

“Please keep the Heriot family in your prayers during this profoundly painful time.”

He was remembered as a “committed” member of the school’s rowing team. Picture: Facebook/The King's School

Many online paid tribute to the “kind” and “gentle” teenager whose life was tragically cut short “too soon”.

“This young boy brought joy, light, and laughter to those around him. In his short time here, he left a mark that time will not erase. His spirit was gentle, his smile unforgettable,” one person wrote.

“So incredibly tragic! My heart is broken for the family. Sending all my love and thoughts to the Heriot family and all his friends,” said another.

“So devastating such a young boy lost to soon,” another wrote.

Emergency services were called to Quambone Road on Friday night. Picture: Google Maps

Mr Heriot’s former Housemaster at the Baker Hake boarding community remembered the teenager as a “kind, caring and empathetic young man who was extremely well respected by all that came into contact with him”.
“What I always loved about Stirling is that he is honest as the day is long and the big fella didn’t have a mean bone in his body!” he wrote.
“I have never seen a young man roll up his sleeves and work as hard as Stirling when he got the chance to put his skills on display in something he loved!”

A obituary shared online said the 17-year-old, who was born and raised in regional NSW, was “deeply connected to his local heritage”.
“Whether sharing laughter around a bonfire or helping neighbours with practical tasks, he embodied the very best qualities of Australian country life,” it read.
“Though his life was unexpectedly and painfully shortened, Stirling leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of his family, friends, and community.”
Year 12 students in NSW are due to sit HSC exams in under three months.

Originally published as ‘Devastating’: Tragedy as Year 12 student at Sydney private school killed in crash near family’s home