Teen killed, another hospitalised after out-of-control smash
A PROUD dad’s loving message about his son’s final VCE exams now stands as a heartbreaking farewell, after the schoolboy died in an early morning car smash at Malvern East.
VIC News
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A PROUD dad’s loving message about his son’s final VCE exams now stands as a heartbreaking farewell, after the schoolboy died in a car smash.
Hector Ryan, 18, a year 12 pupil at St Kevin’s College, was last night remembered as “amazing and hardworking”.
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At 1am this morning, the station wagon the Glen Iris teen was driving crashed into a tree in Moira St, Malvern East.
The would-be lawyer had completed his last VCE paper just two days earlier.
Classmate Stefan Zupan, 18, of Ashburton, survived the crash. He was tonight recovering at The Alfred hospital, with hand and leg injuries.
Only on Monday, Hector’s dad, Peter, had posted photos of his son and mates online as they neared the end of their schooling.
“Almost there Hector!’’ he wrote of the last exams ahead for his son. “Very proud of our young man, and a great bunch of mates who have seen you through.”
Devastated family members and classmates — some having just completed their own exams — gathered at the crash scene today. The constant stream of mourners left flowers and cards.
Much-loved Hector had been in the elite private school’s rowing team since year 8.
Rowing mate Edward Gusman, who left a heartfelt note at a maple tree scarred by the crash, said he had talked to Hector just after the final exam on Wednesday.
He said his note was a way of telling an “amazing friend” how much he was loved.
He said Hector had told him of his relief and that he was excited about the future. He had planned to celebrate the end of his secondary education by going to schoolies in Byron Bay.
“He had so much ahead of him,’’ Edward said. “He was looking forward to going to university. He didn’t want to waste the education he had.
“He was so loved. He was an amazing person with a great temperament. He has been taken way too soon.
“I won’t remember him for this. I’ll remember him for all the mucking around we did at rowing camp and all the mischief we got up to.”
Police believe Hector lost control of the car, causing it to leave the road and hit the tree.
Friends told the Herald Sun he was a “dedicated worker” who wanted to study law, having starred in his secondary legal studies.
One friend called him the “best mate in the world”.
“He was a funny guy, always knew how to make me laugh,” Ben Burns added.
It is unclear where the two teenagers had been in the hours leading up to the accident.
Police were investigating whether speed and weather conditions were factors.
Officers returned to the scene late today — walking up a hill and appearing to examine the road.
Prayers were today held at St Kevin’s for Mr Ryan’s family as well as for his injured mate.
Headmaster Stephen Russell told parents in a message that students were being offered counselling.
“At this remarkably tragic time, let us all extend the gift of kindness to our family and friends and all with whom we come in contact,’’ he wrote.
The fatal crash takes the annual state road toll to 213 lives lost, 38 less than this time last year.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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