‘Tragic loss’: Bunyip Football Club player and motorbike rider Ashley James O’Haire, 18, remembered as an ‘absolute ripper’

Tributes have flowed for an “absolute ripper” Bunyip footballer who died in a tragic motorbike crash in Licola.

Gippsland motorbike rider and football player Ashley James O'Haire, 18, has been remembered as a shining star. Picture: Facebook/Bunyip Football Club

A heartbroken Gippsland community has remembered a Bunyip footballer and motorbike rider as a “shining star” and a “beautiful young man” after his tragic death.

Ashley James O’Haire — known as Ash — died in hospital on New Year’s Eve last year after he was involved in a motorbike crash in Licola the night before.

The 18-year-old was the son of Narelle and Darren, Wayne and Rachel, the brother of Georgie and Jonah and stepbrother of Cameron and Jaeden.

He was also the grandchild of Gary, Linda, Chris, Veronica and Carlyne.

Tributes have since flowed for the teen who was an avid motorbike lover, enjoying regular rides with friends Jaccob Coad and Jack Lee.

Mr O’Haire also played for the Bunyip Football Club — which expressed its “immense sorrow” online after his death.

The Gippsland teen played for the Bunyip Football Club. Picture: Facebook/Bunyip Football Club

“We offer our deepest sympathies to Narelle, Georgie and the extended family and friends, and provide our support during this difficult time,” the club posted on its Facebook page.

The club organised a wellbeing session at its clubrooms after Mr O’Haire’s death.

Ash has been remembered as an “absolute ripper” and a “beautiful young man”. Picture: Nielsen Funerals

Garfield woman Michelle Grimsted described Mr O’Haire as an “absolute ripper”.

“We will always remember the wonderful times we shared with you — your laughter, your kindness, your mullet and just being your true knock about genuine you,” she said.

“Such a tragic loss for your family and friends. Our hearts go out to everyone.

“RIP, mate. You will always be remembered. Forever in our hearts.”

The Bunyip Football Club placed flowers next to Ash’s jersey he wore when playing. Picture: Facebook/Bunyip Football Club

Lang Lang local Brodie Taylor said the 18-year-old “will be missed by all the boys, family and friends”.

Korumburra Bena Football Netball Club also paid tribute on social media.

Jessica Beilby wrote she had the privilege of knowing such a “beautiful young man”.

Tributes on the Nielsen Funerals website described Mr O’Haire as someone who “lived life to the fullest”.

Ash and his friends Jaccob Coad and Jack Lee would take their motorbikes out as a group. Picture: Facebook/Ash O'Haire

“A laugh, a smile, a joke or two, that’s the way we will always remember you,” the family’s tribute said.

“Fly High Ash, we love and miss you so much.”

In their online tribute, family friends Adam and Estelle said his death “left a hole that can never be filled”.

“Our boys didn’t have a long time together, but they had quality, and we are so glad we had the chance to spend the time together that we did,” the pair wrote.

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“Sending you all our love in hope that you can find a way to move forward in this new reality and live the life that Ash cannot.”

A funeral service was held for Ash at the Pakenham Racing Club on Friday.