Tributes flow for Trent Felici, William Semple killed in Newborough crash

The only survivor of a horror crash that killed two talented soccer players in Newborough has spoken of the moment he lost his best mates.

William Semple and Trent Felici were tragically killed in a crash in Newborough.

Family and friends have paid tribute to two talented Gippsland soccer players who were the “core heart and personality” of their club after they were tragically killed in a crash at Newborough.

William Semple, 19, and Trent Felici, 32, died after their car crashed into a tree on John Field Drive on Saturday, November 6.

Jamie Kent was the third man in the car and was the only survivor of the crash.

He told The Bass Coast News they were driving to a pub in Newborough after leaving a friend’s 21st birthday in Yallourn North when the tragedy unfolded.

Mr Kent said Will was kind-hearted and full of confidence.

“He would go out of his way to help out whenever he could,” he said.

“He would treat other friend’s kids as if they were his little siblings.”

Mr Kent said he would never forget the time Will and his two brothers filled in for his U15’s soccer team.

“They bravely stepped up to play against people that were bigger, stronger and three years their elder,” he said.

“I’m also proud to have played with Will this past year, he scored some amazing and crucial goals and breezing past defenders with ease.”

Mr Kent said Trent was an amazing mentor.

“A lot of us looked up to him as a big brother and I can proudly say I would not be the man I am today without him,” he said.

“I will forever cherish all the times we played together especially when he assisted Daz with 40 seconds left to win our indoor soccer grand final.

“He was genuinely one of the best blokes to ever exist in this world.”

Will Semple

Trent Felici

Monash Soccer Club president Dylan Berends said Will and Trent went above and beyond for their club.

Mr Berends said Will had “amazing charisma” and a “go-getter attitude”.

“He was always willing to take on extra roles and offer coaching ideas,” he said.

“He gave his all on and off the pitch to bring an amazing set of skills and ideas to the club.”

Mr Berends said Trent was at every game, working bee, social event and training session even when he was injured.

“He represented the core foundations of what a club should be and the dedication it takes to be part of one,” he said.

“He always had yellow and black on his mind, it was amazing to see.”

Mr Berends said the club would retire their numbers, Trent’s 4 and Will’s 17, in honour of their memory.

“They wore those numbers best and out of respect we will make sure they are the last to wear them,” he said.

Will’s brother Adam said his triplet was “not only a brother but a best friend”.

“He had a bubbly and cheeky personality that was loved by many,” he said.

Mr Semple said Will’s passion for soccer started at the age of four and he had plans to buy a house and a dog.

“He loved sport and going out to have a few drinks with his mates,” he said.

“He was always so funny … everyone loved him.”

Trent’s wife Jennifer said her husband was a funny, wise and generous man who always loved and protected his two children.

“I just can’t fathom how I’m going to do this without you,” she wrote on Facebook.

“We were a team and you kept our home in order and bright.

“Rest in paradise playing soccer in the clouds.”

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