Tributes for Bailey Pini, teen killed in stolen car crash in Bowen

The teen killed in a fiery stolen car crash had recently been put in a group foster home after his life spiralled. His family believe he was trying to make it back to them when he died.

The teen killed in a fiery stolen car crash in Bowen tragically lost his mother almost a year ago and had been living in a state-run care home for less than a month before his death.

Bailey Pini, 13, was the driver of the car that struck a tree and rolled before catching alight on the outskirts of Bowen early Wednesday morning.

He was within just a few kilometres of his grandmother’s home.

His 14-year-old passenger survived.

Bailey Pini died when the stolen car he was driving crashed.

Bailey was yesterday being remembered by his family as a good kid with a big heart who was mourning the loss of his beloved mum Sonia Pini, who died after a short battle with cervical cancer in July last year.

Bailey’s older sister Troydon said she knew he was not coping with the sudden loss and was on a downward spiral that ultimately ended his life.

“He was the baby, so it was always mum and Bailey,” Troydon said. “When he lost mum, I think he lost a big chunk of himself.”

Bailey Pini with his mum Sonia, who died in July last year after a short battle with cervical cancer.

Troydon said her brother’s mischief turned more serious, and after stints with various members of his extended and immediate family, including his estranged dad.

He was placed in the residential care system at a group home in Sarina less than a month ago, where it was hoped he would get the psychological support he needed.

Bailey’s family had contact with him during those weeks, and said he seemed to be enjoying himself but “for the wrong reasons”.

“When he got to that house, he got worse,” Troydon said.

“I think he liked it because of the lack of rules, and because he was with three other 14-year-old boys and they could get away with anything.”

The family is unaware if Bailey received counselling while in care.

Bailey Pini's brother Jerricho, sister Troydon, cousin Natasha, aunty Donna, and niece Renezmay. Picture: Kirra Grimes

His family said they had not been in contact with the group home manager since Tuesday night when Bailey and another boy left in a stolen car, believed to belong to a carer at the home. The first the family heard that Bailey had left the home was when police told them he died in the crash.

His family said Bailey had never previously driven a car prior to the crash. They believe he was trying to make it back to family in the car.

“He was not the type of kid you would ever think would steal a car. Mischief, yes, stealing cars never,” Troydon said.

In happier times, Bailey was a keen fisherman and cook, with impeccable manners, and a passion for exploring the world around him and beyond.

He loved video games, going to the skate park, catching insects and studying the constellations.

The stolen car crash that killed Bailey Pini. Picture: Kirra Grimes

But he was never able to realise his potential in a school setting, exacerbated when he was diagnosed with the rare Guillain-Barre immune disorder when he was eight. He was hospitalised and unable to walk for almost a year, his family said, and he lost interest in school.

But underneath the hardened exterior, was a good kid, who cherished his family.

“He was just a normal kid who didn’t have the opportunity to learn from his mistakes,” Troydon said.

“We tried to get him to open up, but he was just holding on to all this bottled up s--t he couldn’t get out.

“We all thought one day he’d deal with his emotions and grieve and we’d eventually all sit around and laugh about how naughty he used to be in ‘the old days’”.

Students and staff of Sarina State High School, where Bailey was enrolled, are being offered counselling.

Principal Jane Grieger said the school and its community were “deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of one of their students and the injuries to another.

“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies go out to both their families, carers, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” Mrs Grieger said.

The family is yet to finalise funeral arrangements but hopes to bury Bailey’s ashes alongside his mum in the Bowen cemetery, on the anniversary of Sonia’s death in July.

Originally published as Tributes for Bailey Pini, teen killed in stolen car crash in Bowen