‘Utter shock’: Tributes for Liam Moreland, 20, after tragic Geelong Ring Rd crash
The numb family of a man killed in a horror Geelong Ring Rd smash were preparing to celebrate his 21st birthday, with his girlfriend and friends in “utter shock” following his death.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE heartbroken girlfriend and family of a young man killed in a horror crash on the Geelong Ring Road were preparing to celebrate his 21st birthday, as his large circle of friends come to grips with the “utter shock” of the tragedy.
Tributes are pouring in for Liam Moreland, 20, after he tragically died alongside his friend, Ben Dines, 21, after their sedan collided with a black ute on Thursday.
Mr Moreland’s grieving partner, Jaz Matters, shared an emotional ode to her “beautiful boy” and “once in a lifetime” love on Friday.
“I will never ever be the same again,” she said.
“Losing you will be the biggest piece of me that I will never get back.
“My heart and my head purely will never understand it or accept it.
“We had a love that is once in a lifetime and I don’t know how I will ever come to understand that you won’t ever come back home again.”
It comes as a fundraising effort was launched for the popular young footballer.
A friend of Mr Moreland’s devastated mum said she has had “her world turned upside down” following the shocking accident.
“Instead of planning her sons 21st birthday for next week, she is now heartbreakingly going to be organising his funeral,” she told a GoFundMe page.
“Any funds raised will be used to ease the cost and pressures that no parent should ever have to experience.”
The fundraiser has already raised $12,570.
Police are investigating the exact cause of the crash which caused major traffic delays on the Geelong Ring Rd, with both Geelong-bound lanes closed until after 8pm on Thursday.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
More Coverage
Originally published as ‘Utter shock’: Tributes for Liam Moreland, 20, after tragic Geelong Ring Rd crash
Geelong injecting room back in the spotlight
The release of fresh drug overdose data has prompted the Greens to renew calls for an injecting room in Geelong, saying the need for it “has never been more urgent”.
Show to go on despite possible ‘severe’ storm
A severe storm could hit Geelong on Friday, following flash flooding that sparked numerous State Emergency Service call-outs.