Tributes flow for Callum Wood after tragic death in Heyfield crash

The uncle of an aspiring Gippsland plumber said his nephew was loved like a second son after the teen tragically died in a car crash at Heyfield.

Callum Wood tragically died in a car crash in Heyfield on Saturday.

A bubbly and energetic Gippsland teen has been remembered by family and friends after he was tragically killed in a horror crash at Heyfield.

Callum Wood, 17, died when the car he was a passenger in crashed into a tree on Heyfield-Dawson Rd about 9pm on Saturday.

The driver, a 19-year-old Coongulla man, was flown to hospital with life-threatening injuries but Callum, also known as Cal, died at the scene.

It’s understood Cal and his mate were driving back from Traralgon after getting KFC for dinner.

Cal’s uncle, Jamie Dorning, said his nephew was cheeky, bubbly and energetic.

“Cal was the person that would always send you a random text message to say hi or a random Snapchat,” he said.

“He was everybody’s best friend, he was everybody’s second son.”

Mr Dorning said the family went through a difficult time when Cal’s mum Christie died of breast cancer in 2019.

He said they went on a holiday to Thailand a few months before her death.

“That was a really good trip with the family,” Mr Dorning said.

“I’ll always remember it.”

Cal with his late mum Christie who died of breast cancer.

Cal (left) with his brothers Riley and Owen and dad Paul.

Mr Dorning said Cal had a bright future ahead after starting a plumbing apprenticeship about two years ago.

He said his nephew loved footy, camping, hunting and catching up with his mates.

Cal was also a talented basketball player and represented Sale for multiple years as a junior from under 10s to under 14s.

He was also selected to the Country Victoria pathway program in under 12s and under 14s.

Sale Amateur Basketball Association said they were “deeply saddened” by his death.

“Cal was a terrific kid, always looking to make friends, have fun and be a little bit cheeky,” a statement said.

“Cal was a special person loved by many who will be sorely missed.”

Riley Wood said his younger brother was his best friend and one of the most caring and loving people.

Molly Ward said Cal was humble and had the “biggest, brightest smile that lit up the room”.

Emily Ogden said her friend was the “sweetest person you would ever come across”.

“He would always put such a big smile on everyone’s face,” she said.

“Cal had so much knowledge about motorbikes and was one of the brightest kids I knew.

“I’ll never forget the days we went to parties and gatherings together.”

Tamiah Pilgrim said Cal was caring, kind and funny.

“He loved his friends and family so much,” she said.

“I will always remember his beautiful smile and contagious laugh.”

Cal leaves behind his brothers, Riley, Owen and Henry and his father Paul and stepmother Maree.

A GoFundMe has been created for the family.

There has been a total of 98 lives lost on Victorian roads in 2022, compared to 86 this time last year.