Berwick man Stefan Andrew Barthelot who died in Yellingboo crash remembered as a lover of cars and being a ‘child at heart’

Friends of a Berwick man who died in a tragic crash in Yellingbo have remembered the car lover as being “like a brother” and a “child at heart”.

Stefan Barthelot, 25, has been remembered as an “avid car lover” and a “child at heart” after he died in a car crash in Yellingboo on Sunday. Picture: GoFundMe

A Berwick man who was killed in a crash northeast of Melbourne has been remembered as an “avid car lover” and a “child at heart”.

Stefan Andrew Barthelot, 25, suffered critical injuries and died on the way to hospital after he lost control of his car and crashed on Healesville Koo Wee Rup Rd in Yellingboo at 4.40pm on Sunday.

Friend Jehan Loduwyke, who created a GoFundMe page for Stefan’s family, said in the fundraiser they were “deeply saddened”.

“Stefan was an avid car lover and had been driving his much loved vehicle during the crash,” Mr Loduwyke said.

“Stefan was a child at heart — and his home in Melbourne stands to testify this, with avengers posters, miniature Jurassic Park dinosaurs, and star wars relics lying in its nooks and crannies.”

Mr Loduwyke said Stefan arrived in Australia with hopes of building a future for himself and his family in Sri Lanka.

“His sudden and untimely passing has left his loved ones in unimaginable grief,” he said.

Stefan Andrew Barthelot, 25, suffered critical injuries and died on the way to hospital after he crashed his car on Healesville Koo Wee Rup Rd in Yellingbo on Sunday, September 29 2024. Picture: Google Maps

Mr Loduwyke added Stefan’s family, who arrived in Australia on Tuesday, would perform his final rites and “honour his memory”.

He said the funds raised from the GoFundMe — which is almost at $13,000 — would help cover the funeral expenses.

“This is a devastating time for the family, and we are reaching out to the community for support,” Mr Loduwyke said.

“Your contribution — no matter how small — will make a significant difference in helping his family be together during this heartbreaking time.”

Mr Loduwyke said remaining funds would go towards supporting Stefan’s family with relocation costs after the handover of his home.

A funeral service will be held for Stefan on Monday, October 7, 2024. Picture: Facebook/Rajitha Gamage

“He has also helped fund his sister’s education and until sustainable plans are made for its continuation, the GoFundMe’s surplus will aid with these costs,” Mr Loduwyke said.

“We would like to take this opportunity to genuinely thank everyone who has shared this message and contributed in their way,” he said.

“Every contribution has given us hope and strength to manage this loss without a financial burden — we are grateful beyond words.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts — we hope no one goes through such an untimely, unexpected and tragic loss of a perfect life in their time.”

Rajitha Gamage, who had been friends with Stefan since Grade 1, shared in a Facebook post that Stefan was “like a brother” to him.

“I’m still in shock from the news,” Mr Gamage wrote.

“The moments and memories we created together are unforgettable.”

A funeral service will be held for Stefan on Monday.