Kai McDonald, 16, remembered as a ‘beautiful boy’ after tragic death
The heartbroken mother of a teen killed in a fatal collision inside an allegedly stolen car says her son “cared too much” for his friends whom he tried to sway away from a life of crime.
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The heartbroken mother of a teen killed in a horrific collision while a passenger in an allegedly stolen car says her son was “never involved in crime” as she demands “tougher punishments” for young criminals.
Kai McDonald, 16, was a passenger inside an allegedly stolen Audi that collided with a station wagon near Windmere Bvd, Pakenham on Thursday before it smashed into trees and a power pole, killing the teenager and severely injuring others including the driver — also aged 16.
None of the teenagers inside the car have been charged by police.
But Kai’s mother Samantha Wimshurst said her son wasn’t a criminal but rather “cared too much for his friends” whom he constantly “worried” about getting involved in crime.
“There are a lot of people out there who think Kai was involved in heinous break-ins and crime and traumatising people,” Ms Wimshurst said.
“Kai was unknown to police, he was never involved in any interactions or any type of crime.
“Kai adored all of his friends. He was always there to make sure they were OK and smiling. “But unfortunately for Kai the constant care and worry for his mates is essentially what led to his death”.
Ms Wimshurst also called on the state government to introduce tougher punishments for youth offenders which she said could have saved her son.
“I need them to take action, I’ve lost my son because of this,” she said.
“The government has to step up here and stop these children and give punishment rather than a slap on the wrist.”
At the weekend Kai’s football, baseball and cricket clubs all paid tribute to their late teammate.
Ms Wimshurst also said she was “grateful” no one in the other car was seriously hurt.
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An online fundraiser has been set up to support Kai’s family.
The Bonbeach Baseball Club observed a minute’s silence before its match, while members of the Carrum Downs Football Club laid one of Kai’s guernsey’s in the middle of their ground; linking arm-in-arm around it.
The Chelsea Baseball Club also paid tribute.
Ms Wimshurst said her son was “always involved in sport” growing up and aspired to become an electrician.
“He was involved in anything and everything in sport. It was crazy how much he loved playing sport,” she said.
Aldercourt Primary School — where he attended — remembered Kai as a “beautiful man with a huge heart”.
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