Tributes flow for Lewis Bradbury killed in crash at Bena

The mum of a talented Gippsland footballer tragically killed in a crash in Bena has paid tribute to her son, saying she is ‘broken without her baby’.

Lewis Bradbury was tragically killed in a crash at Bena. Picture: Supplied

A talented Gippsland footballer killed in a crash in Bena has been remembered as a hardworking, polite and caring young man.

Lewis Bradbury, 19, died when his car collided with a truck and caught fire on the South Gippsland Highway on February 15.

His mum Wendy told Leader she was heartbroken.

“I’m just broken without my baby,” she said.

“I so desperately want to hug him, just one more time.”

Lewis played for the Fish Creek Kangaroos and worked at the local service station.

President Ray Stefani said his death had hit the club and the town hard.

“I think we’re all still in shock, honestly,’’ Mr Stefani said.

“Only the night before the accident our Thirds coach (Dave Dorling) was having a laugh with him. Lewis always had some pretty interesting hairdos and Dave said to him, ‘Come on Lewis, it’s about time you fixed that bloody hair up’.

“They were laughing and carrying on, just having normal conversations.

“Our senior coach (John Danckert) had seen him that day too and Lewis said he was starting training next week.

“Then in the blink of an eye he was gone.’’

Lewis and his niece Ava.

Lewis loved surfing.

Lewis had played junior football with the Corner Inlet Stingrays but, despite living in Foster, chose to join Fish Creek.

Mr Stefani said he believed Lewis would have risen to the Kangaroos’ senior team last year had the season not been cut short by Covid.

He described him as a “bull at a gate’’.

“He was really developing as a footballer,’’ Mr Stefani said.

“He was a pretty tough player, explosive, a really strongly built boy, fast and aggressive.

“His skills were the thing he was still working on. But he was really developing with those. He was a pretty raw kid when he came over. But he was getting better, and he gave it his all. Everyone could see that. All his coaches raved about him.’’

Mr Stefani said Lewis was a good clubman, pitching in whenever he was asked.

Stefani said Lewis’ mother, Wendy, was his greatest supporter, taking photographs for the club for use on social media.

Abbie Tapsell said she loved her brother with all her heart.

“I’m so proud of the man you became, your hard working ethic was inspiring,” she wrote on Facebook.

“I never thought I’d be having to grieve the loss of a younger sibling.”

Lewis (left) with his sister Abbie, niece Ava, Nanny B, mum Wendy, dad Mark and brother Joshy. Picture: Supplied

Ms Tapsell said Lewis adored her daughters Ava and Isla.

“Ava adored you, you were her idol, her role model,” she said.

“She loved her uncle Lew Lew and got so excited each time she saw you pull into our driveway at home to surprise her with a gold coin for her money box.

“Isla has been robbed from making memories with you but just know I will continue to raise them both knowing how loving, caring and hardworking their uncle was.”

Tributes have continued on social media with friends describing Lewis as a “wonderful fella” and a “great bloke”.

“I’ve lost my brother, my PlayStation buddy and a truly caring loveable friend,” Alex Tomlin said.

“See you on the other side to put a shrimp on the barbie mate.”

Dewy Moon said Lewis was always polite and quietly spoken.

“Loved his football, always played for his teammates,” he said.

“A great young bloke who will be greatly missed.”

A funeral service will be held for Lewis Bradbury at the Fish Creek Football Netball Club on February 25.