‘Enterprising’ duo Luke Dunn and Riley Gaunt remembered after horror Benambra crash

Loved ones and colleagues of two young men who died in a tragic crash in Victoria’s high country say the pair always had their friends “laughing to tears”.

Luke Dunn and Riley Gaunt were killed in a crash in the Victorian High Country.

Two friends who died in a tragic crash in Victoria’s high country have been remembered as “two of the best lads” by their loved ones and friends.

Luke Dunn and Riley Gaunt were travelling in a car that rolled down a hill in Benambra before crashing into a fence 424km northeast of Melbourne.

Police believe the crash occurred overnight on Friday but the car wasn’t discovered until about 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon when a passer-by found them on Corryong-Benambra Rd.

Luke Dunn tragically passed away in a car collision in Benambra last weekend.

It is believed the pair was spending time in Benambra to celebrate a loved one’s birthday.

Luke’s sister Emilee Dunn said the shock death of her kind brother had left her “devastated”.

“There are no words to describe how upset and devastated I am,” she wrote on social media.

“He was my best friend and one of a kind. His heart was pure gold but the softest teddy bear.

Luke with his sisters Taylah and Emilee. Picture: Supplied

“Just wish I could see you one last time and tell you how proud I am to be your sister and that I will bloody miss you like crazy! My heart won’t be one piece anymore.

“Hope you and Riley are having a few beers. Will always love you Lukey boy, see you soon.”

Both Luke and Riley have been remembered by local football club Cora Lynn, where Luke was a former player.

“It is with enormous sadness that we recognised the tragic passing of former player Luke Dunn … Luke and his great mate Riley Gaunt were club sponsors when they were playing in the fourths and were two very enterprising young men,” the club said in a statement.

Luke had played for Cora Lynn at both under-16 and under-18 level.

Riley attended Beaconhills College before embarking on a career as a hi rail excavator operator.

Ben Woodbridge, a colleague of Riley’s, said their team considered the digger more of a “little brother” than a colleague.

“Over the weekend we not only lost an incredibly talented operator but more so a little brother to all of us in the rail industry that had the pleasure of working with him,” he wrote.

Riley Gaunt was killed in a tragic crash in the Victorian High Country. Picture: Facebook

“You operated that digger and attacked your work like you did life, not afraid to give anything a go and you did it with confidence, a rare attribute many don’t acquire at such a young age.

“Your positive outlook, no matter the situation will never be forgotten and I’m sure for all of us looking back, it will help us overcome the darkest of days still to come… and for that (in your fine words) “is a win to the people”.”

Friend Jonathan Crowe said the pair “meant a lot” to him.

“You’ve had me laughing to tears so many times and I looked forward to weekends yous (sic) would come visit us, whether it was getting flogged on the footy field, me attempting to help you guys logging, taking the piss out of each other, or the old colliwobbles (sic),” he said.

“You were two of the most hard working and kind blokes I’ve ever met and deserved so, so much better than any of this and you’ll both be so missed by every life you’ve touched.”

East Gippsland councillor Sonio Buckley offered support to the wider community following news of the fatal crash.

“Our community is in shock, a tragic event and loss of young men who were loved and respected,” she said.

“Words bring little comfort to the family’s and friends who’s loss is immeasurable.”

Investigators are probing the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or with footage should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.