Hundreds gather for Buxton crash victim’s funeral

Hundreds of people have farewelled two teenagers who tragically died in a horror car crash, with the father of one revealing a touching head tattoo tribute.

The heartbroken father of one of five teenagers killed in a horror crash has paid tribute to his 15-year-old son with a head tattoo, telling mourners “my heart has been split in two”.

Exaven Desisto revealed the tattoo of his son Antonio’s name and a red rose on Monday, as the devastated community came together for a fifth time to commemorate the boy’s life after burying another victim earlier in the day.

Antonio, Summer Williams, Gabriella McLennan, Lily Van de Putte and Tyrese Bechard were all killed when the ute they were travelling in hit a tree on East Parade at Buxton on September 6.

Exaven Desisto revealed the tattoo of his son Antonio’s name and a flower on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Simon Bullard

The devastated community has rallied together.Picture: NCA NewsWire/Simon Bullard

All five teenagers went to school together at Picton High.

A funeral was held for Antonio at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Leppington.

Mourners embraced and shared memories together.Picture: NCA NewsWire/Simon Bullard

It was an especially difficult day for Antonio’s father. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Simon Bullard

“Words can’t describe what a proud father I am,” Mr Desisto said.

“The light, love and pure grace you’ve shown the world. My heart has been split it two.”

Antonio Desisto, 15, with his grandmother. Picture: Supplied

Mourners arrive at the funeral for Buxton crash victim Antonio Desisto. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

His father spoke to media in the days after the crash to say his son Antonio was a “happy” and “humble” teen.

“He was my best friend, he literally never left my f**king’ side,” an emotional Mr Desisto said.

Mourners wearing Woolworths uniforms arrive at the funeral. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

Loved ones embrace at the funeral of Antonio Desisto. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

Mourners arrive at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

“But I have to go see my son in a f**king morgue, I have to go see him, whatever’s left of him and I don’t even want to go see him but I need to see him.”

Mr Desisto said he didn’t have many friends but his son was his best mate.

Teens offer hugs at the funeral. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

A vintage car arrives at the funeral. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

“We did everything together, I brought him up,” he said.

Earlier on Monday, Summers’ funeral was held at St Marks Anglican Church in Picton.

Summer Williams was one of the five teens tragically killed in the Buxton crash. Picture: Facebook

The bright Pink coffin adorned in roses was carried into the church. Picture: John Grainger

Loved ones filtered into the church wearing hints of Pink in honour of Summer as floral bushes bloomed in the same shade around the church grounds.

Some carried bouquets of pink lilies, others had pink ribbons tied up in their hair.

Loved ones embrace each other before the service. Picture: John Grainger

Friends and family of teen Summer Williams gather at the St Marks Anglican Church Picton. Picture: John Grainger

These were the final of five ceremonies for the victims of the crash after Lily Van de Putte, Tyrese Bechard and Gabriella McLennan were laid to rest last week.

Locals rode in on motorbikes. Picture: John Grainger

Attendees wore Pink ribbons in honour of Summer. Picture: John Grainger

The teenagers had told their parents they were going on a “Maccas run” but reportedly drove around for hours. Alarm bells were raised when they didn’t return home.

The Nissan Navara ute was being driven by Tyrell Edwards, 18, when he allegedly lost control and hit a tree on East Parade in Buxton.

Loved ones embraced at the teens funeral. Picture: John Grainger

Young friends signed their attendance at the funeral. Picture: John Grainger

Mr Edwards, the sole survivor, has been charged with five counts of dangerous driving occasioning death.

The 18-year-old appeared in court on Monday where the court was told he remains on suicide watch.

Balloon tributes adorn homes and businesses throughout Picton in memory of the young who lost their lives. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

Balloon tributes around town. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

His lawyer Karen Watson told a Supreme Court hearing on Monday that the magistrate who initially refused bail was not aware of his risk of self-harm.

In setting a date for Mr Edwards’ bail application to be heard, registrar George Galanis said the earlier the better.

Each colour of balloon represents one of the crash victims. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

A shrine at the crash site in Buxton. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

“I am concerned about delaying it more than necessary given the particular circumstances,” he said.

A bail hearing date was set for October 14.

Originally published as Hundreds gather for Buxton crash victim’s funeral