The heartbroken families behind the state’s highest road toll since 2008

These are some of the heartbroken families who lost loved ones on Victoria’s roads in 2023. Read their messages to motorists.

For grieving parents David and Kylie Gordon, the first holiday season without their only beloved son Braedyn was shrouded in heartache.

But amidst the tears and unimaginable pain, the Tongala couple and their three daughters Kelsea, Tahlia and Teagan vowed to do all they can to honour their boy’s memory.

Braedyn, who turned 24 on February 1, died just days later when a vehicle collided with the truck he was driving, causing his truck to veer off the road and into a tree.

Affectionately dubbed the “golden child”, Braedyn would tragically become one of 296 road users who died on Victorian roads this past year — the state’s highest road toll in 15 years.

Braedyn Gordon passed away on Monday and has been remembered by those that loved him as caring and kind hearted. Picture; Supplied

“He hated celebrating his birthday because I would decorate the whole house every year, so he’d just go to his room. But this year, I’d done all that, got KFC, the three girls were there and we were there, all together,” Mrs Gordon said.

Mr Gordon added: “We were just so fortunate. We had the best night ever, and even the night before he passed, he was in having tea with us, we had all the girls home and we just had a fantastic night.”

The couple, breaking into smiles as they reminisce about their cheeky but hard-working son, said they were determined to share their heartache in hopes motorists would take better care on the road.

“I can’t really remember the day of Braedyn’s accident and I don’t remember being told,” Mr Gordon told the Herald Sun of the moment his world turned upside down.

“I can remember I had to make four phone calls to four very important people, and then basically the rest of the day is just a blur.”

Braedyn was the ultimate country boy, according to Mr Gordon.

An avid fisherman who not long ago purchased his first boat, a tow truck driver who loved taking care of his own vehicles, and a meticulous farm worker who knew every important detail about cattle.

A shrine at the Gordon family home in honour of Braedyn. Picture: Supplied

Braedyn Gordon's bauble on the Victoria Police Christmas tree. Picture: Supplied

At home he was an adored brother and son who regularly spoiled his sisters, and a popular local sportsman playfully nicknamed “Quack Daddy” from cricket teammates.

“He was a normal kid but at the same time he wasn’t directed by anyone, if he wanted to do something he went off and did it,” Mr Gordon said.

“With his funeral we only printed 200 booklets because we didn’t think many people would come, but there was over 500. They couldn’t all fit inside the venue so they were all lined out on the street,” Mrs Gordon said.

Mrs Gordon now wakes most days before 7.29am — the time of Braedyn’s accident — to greet her boy good morning at the shrine which was secretly installed by friends inside the family home.

“I’ve got a photo of him that I talk to everyday and tell him whether it’s a good day or a shitty day. You look at his photo and you still don’t think that’s real. He was just too young,” Mrs Gordon said.

“It’s hard not having him there (for Christmas), but we also have to remember we’ve still got the three girls and they just missing him just as much,” Mrs Gordon said.

A pained but stoic Mr Gordon said he was eager for the first festive season without his boy to be “over and done with”.

The couple planned to spend New Years Ever at Lakes Entrance - the last place they holidayed with Braedyn - alongside their daughters and a group of about 30 loved ones.

Braedyn Gordon (middle) surrounded by his loved ones. Picture: Supplied

“He absolutely loved it. Anytime he had an opportunity he would go down,” Mr Gordon said.

Mrs Gordon added: “And dragged me fishing all hours of the day and night. David and I just went down in June and it’s just hard going to all the place, but we still did everything he would have done.”

The couple implored motorists to concentrate and follow the road rules whenever they took to the road.

“I’m not even talking about drink drivers or drug drivers, or someone that has medical conditions. I’m talking basic road rules: obey the stop sign, obey the ‘give way’ sign, wear your seatbelt,” Mr Gordon said.

Those who loved 19-year-old George Kallianis know that “his light will never go out”.

The teenager who “lived life to the fullest”, loved his cars and aspired to become an electrician will have his legacy lived on through his family and friends.

He was described as a “caring” person, with stories shared about him picking up friends from the other side of Melbourne to save them an Uber fare home, playing board games with his little cousins at Easter and how he made it his mission to love the homeless cat at work as though it were his own.

A moving memorial at the crash site where George Kallianis, 19, was killed in April. Picture: Supplied

George Kallianis, 19, family has described him as ‘caring’ after his tragic passing in April. Picture: Supplied

It was perhaps no surprise that more than 1000 people — including Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta — attended his funeral after he died in a motorbike accident in April.

“Upon meeting George - you instantly felt the warmth, kindness and love that he radiated. His infectious smile would light up a room the second he walked in. He had a positive happy-go lucky attitude in life and strong work ethics and great love for family – young and old,” his family told the Herald Sun.

“Our family and friends surround us as we navigate grief. George’s circle of friends continue to check in and support us.

“His legacy continues to live on through the love and support from family and friends.”

Likewise, Jonathan Tran was remembered as a pillar of strength and an inspirational figure by his family.

A memorial at Jonathan Tran's Springvale home. Picture: Supplied

Mr Tran, 22, was tragically killed when a truck crashed into him after he and a mate pulled over on the side of the Hume Freeway at Wangaratta South while on their way to a camping trip on Saturday November 4.

There was hardly a day after his death that someone did not drop by his house to deliver flowers and pay tribute to the popular friend, lion dancer, brother and boyfriend.

His sisters and girlfriend told the Herald Sun after his death that Jonathan was “always there to look out for us and to make us laugh...he had that aura about him, you always just wanted to be around him.”

A shrine for the family’s “protector” was installed at his home, while his “pride and joy” motorbike remains parked in the driveway as the ultimate sign that Jonathan will “always be around” for his family.

Some of Jonathan Tran’s family and friends at his home after his tragic death in November. Picture: Supplied

Victoria Police has also issued a warning to motorists heading into the new year.

Road Police AC Glenn Weir said people need to have road safety “front of mind” in the new year.

“In 2024, we’ll continue to work with our road safety partners to make the roads a safer place for everybody – for us, we’ll continue to focus on intelligence-led road policing enforcement that aims to deter offending,” he said.

“Ultimately, we want all road users to take responsibility for their actions and make better choices that will keep themselves, their passengers and all other road users safe.”