Two dead after Mercedes hire car veers off Princes Freeway at Altona North
Friends say they were “the happiest dudes” as heartbreaking tributes continue to flow for the two young men who died after crashing off the Princes Freeway at Altona North. One man had just bought a house with his girlfriend, who shared her grief on social media.
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Grieving family and friends are in shock at the loss of two childhood friends who died side-by-side in a hired luxury car, which ploughed into wetlands off the Princes Freeway off-ramp in Altona North.
Jason Gilham, 27, of Hoppers Crossing, and his long-time friend Bradley Dobney, 27, from Sunshine were killed in the tragic crash on Saturday night.
Friends have paid tribute to both men.
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Ned Robson wrote on Facebook: “In the last 24 hours I have managed to lose the two best mates anyone could ask for, especially since one was the best housemate I could ever hope to have.
“Farewell Jason and Bradley, I’m glad I got to have one last beer with the both of you. Two lives taken way sooner than they should’ve.”
Close friend Alex McIlduff wrote: “They were always the happiest dudes, and their smiles were infectious. While I can’t even comprehend the fact you are gone, I’m going to miss you both.”
Mr Gilham was a passenger in the car and was killed alongside his mate, Mr Dobney.
Mr Gilham’s girlfriend shared a photo of him on Sunday with the caption: “Please come back to me, I love you.”
The two men reportedly tried to kick their way out of the sunroof of the car, but it was stuck.
It is understood they also tried to get out of the rear hatch of the car but could not break free.
It was also reported the two childhood friends died in each other’s arms.
Mr Gilham and his girlfriend had recently bought a house together and had just returned from a holiday in Thailand.
Mr Gilham worked as a tradesman and had worked at Williamstown Coles.
Staff at Coles were too shocked to talk on Sunday as they came to grips with their loss. Mr Gilham and his friend were travelling in a Mercedes Benz believed to have been lent to the driver by his boss.
They had been out to dinner in Caroline Springs before the crash at 8.45pm on Saturday.
Their car smashed through a barrier, careered down a hill and flipped before plunging into wetlands.
The vehicle was submerged for hours as emergency crews, including police divers and SES personnel, worked to pull it out.
Inspector Adrian Healy told the Herald Sun a police officer and paramedic jumped into the water and went out to the car about 9.15pm, but the water was too murky and the door of the vehicle was jammed shut.
A tow truck pulled the car from the water just before midnight.
Melbourne had experienced heavy rain on Friday and there had been showers on Saturday night.
Police were investigating the cause of the crash.
Tributes flowed for Mr Gilham, with friends expressing their disbelief.
Friend Zoe Glenister wrote: “This is so sad, sorry for your loss two great guys taken away way too soon. RIP boys.”
Jacinta Elizabeth added: “My heart breaks and I still can’t believe it.”
Friend Kayne Amiet wrote an emotional tribute to both men, saying news of their deaths “left me feeling somewhat bewildered and a bit empty”.
“You will both be missed sadly and have left holes in many hearts. RIP brothers.”
Alex McDuff wrote: “Sorry to hear. The drifting community loved these boys and will help in any way we can.”
Another comment from the Addicted 2 Drift Facebook page added: “Very upset to hear that a horrible car accident last night has left us without 2 great blokes.”