Tributes for Yarra Junction man Jeff Long who died in Coldstream car crash

Tributes are pouring in for a beloved Yarra Junction grandad and sporting identity who was killed in a horror crash in Coldstream, with his young grandson also injured.

Mr Long's grandson, Beau, 11, Jeff Long, 63, and Ryan, 17. Mr Long was tragically killed in a car crash in Coldstream on May 27.

Tributes are pouring in for a “kind and giving” Yarra Junction man who was killed in a devastating car crash in Coldstream over the weekend.

Jeff “Joffa” Long, 63, has been remembered as a devoted dad and grandad and talented cricketer and footballer after he was killed last Saturday, May 27.

Mr Long’s son Tyson, 27, and grandson Beau, 11, were in the car with him at the time of the crash, but luckily suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Police believe Mr Long, who was driving the car, veered onto the wrong side of the road, clipping a tree before crashing into another tree on Killara Rd just after 1pm.

He was flown to The Alfred but sadly died in hospital later that day.

Born and raised in Yarra Junction, Mr Long’s daughter Stacie said the Yarra Valley meant everything to him.

Stacie said it was amazing to see how much her dad meant to people.

“I want to thank everyone in the community for their support – it wasn’t just losing my dad, my brother and nephew were in the car with him as well, so our whole family (was impacted).”

“They’re all lucky to still be here.”

Primary school student Beau broke the tibia bone in his leg and his collarbone in the crash, and also suffered a huge laceration under his foot.

Stacie said her dad fought to survive after the crash.

“He fought to stay – I think it was just so he knew the others were OK.”

Fighting back tears, Stacie said it was hard to sum up how much her dad meant to her.

“My dad was my whole life and I don’t have the words … how do you choose the words to describe a person who is literally the other half of you?

“So I just want to really thank everybody for their support.”

The Seville Cricket Club, where Beau plays in the under 12s, has urged the community to support a GoFundMe page set up to help the Long family.

“Beau, one of our talented under 12 players, was involved in a devastating car accident over the weekend. Not only does Beau have a long road to recovery due to the injuries he suffered, but tragically, his beloved grandfather lost his life in the accident.”

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child, The Yarra Junction Football and Netball Club, Powelltown Football Netball Club, Powelltown Cricket Club, and Yarra Junction Cricket Club also paid tribute to Mr Long online.

“Fiercely competitive and loyal to a fault, Jeff would give everything he had for the team, he will be sadly missed,” Yarra Junction Cricket Club wrote.

Yarra Junction cafe Red Relish cafe said Mr Long often came in with Beau.

“Jeff was a kind and giving man who was beloved by all who knew him. We will miss you Longy,” the cafe wrote.

Powelltown Football Netball Club said Mr Long was “a tough and fierce competitor, always giving everything he had”.

“He is well loved and a great (team) mate. He had the best sense of humour, and at any given moment, he could tell you his stats from any of his games. He will be sadly missed by us all.”

Tony Aulich, on behalf of The Yarra Junction Eagles, said the loss of “Joffa” had reverberated throughout the Upper Yarra Valley and in particular the football and cricket clubs of Yarra Junction and Powelltown.

“Jeff has represented both sporting communities on hundreds of occasions and has made countless friendships. Jeff took his football and his cricket very seriously. His skill with the Kookaburra and with the Sherrin was exceptional.

“Joffa” Long was a true “Diamond in the Rough”. He always spoke his mind. He was a working man, a timber mill worker, a slaughterman, a firewood merchant, and a good provider for his family.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone with dashcam footage is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.