Ben Tournier: Tones and I pays tribute to Frankston Bombers player killed in Peninsula crash

The chart-topping musician made one final vow to Ben Tournier after he was killed in a Mornington Peninsula car crash on Australia Day.

Ben Tournier came up through the ranks at the Frankston Bombers. Picture: Frankston Bombers FNC

Record-breaking Melbourne musician Tones and I has paid tribute to Frankston Bombers footballer Ben Tournier after he died in a tragic car crash on the Mornington Peninsula.

The heartbroken Dance Monkey singer took to Instagram on Wednesday morning to express her grief over the shock loss of her “great friend and brother”.

The post included a number of videos of the bubbly 29-year-old who died after his vehicle lost control and rolled about 12.15am on Australia Day.

The singer promised to create a cover of Coldplay’s The Scientist, a song Mr Tournier was “always asking” her to sing.

“I don’t really quite know what to say. You were honestly, genuinely a really great friend (and) brother to me and I will never forget you. I am heartbroken,” Tones and I, aka Toni Watson, posted to her 695k followers.

Tones and I paid tribute to Ben Tournier.

“You always would say “don’t want to overstay my welcome” and no matter how many time (sic) I would tell you to shut up you always thought you were in people’s way but the reality is that I don’t think a single person has even wanted you to leave their presence.

“I hope you knew that. You mean so much to so many people and cared for your mum like nothing els (sic). I’ll do that cover of the scientist you were always asking me to do.

“I don’t want to say Rest In Peace yet because I’m not quite ready to let you go. Love you ya (sic) sweaty bastard.”

Tributes are flowing for the popular Tournier, who died after his vehicle lost control and rolled about 12.15am on Australia Day.

Police believe Mr Tournier was travelling south on Nepean Highway before he lost control near Weber Dr, with his vehicle striking two light poles and rolling.

Ben Tournier was a tough player.

His teammates were devastated by the news.

It’s understood Tournier was on his way home after socialising with football teammates in Frankston on Monday night.

Devastated Frankston Bombers players gathered at the club in Baxter on Tuesday afternoon to mourn.

“Everyone is a mess,’’ a Bombers player said.

Tournier played with the Bombers for more than a decade and was a regular member of the senior side before playing in the reserves in recent seasons.

He loved his footy club and keeping fit, going to the gym most days.

Frankston Bombers president Jason Smith said Tournier was hugely popular among the club.

“He was tough, fun-loving and a larger than life character around the club that lifted everyone’s spirits,’’ Smith said.

Ben Tournier played in the Bombers' Under 18s premiership in 2010. Picture: Frankston Bombers FNC

“He played in the Under 18s premiership (in 2010) and came through the ranks all the way and played some good senior football throughout the years.

Tournier made a memorable senior debut in 2013 when he was one of the best players on the ground as the Bombers stormed home to beat Pearcedale by a point after trailing by four goals.

Smith said the Bombers community was rallying around each other.

“The playing group, supporter base, some of his friends, netballers, yeah, we all caught up yesterday,’’ he said.

“It was an opportunity for the club to get together and just be around each other and try and digest where we are at.

“As a club we will be able to support … this isn’t a situation that will last for a week, it’s a situation that will last for a lifetime.

“But we’ve got good people in the background.’’