Tyrell Edwards, driver in fatal Buxton crash, hit with five new charges

A teen driver was allegedly speeding more than 45 km over the speed limit when he crashed into a tree and killed five children in a horrific crash.

A P-plater was allegedly driving dangerously at more than 45 km over the speed limit when he crashed into a tree and killed five children in a horrific crash in rural NSW, a court has heard.

Tyrell Edwards has been charged with five new offences after the fatal crash that devastated the small town community of Buxton, south of Sydney.

On Friday, Picton Local Court heard the 18-year-old is now facing five counts of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death with speed more than 45 km over limit.

Tyrell Edwards is facing five new charges after a fatal crash in Buxton killed five children. Picture: Facebook

The fresh charges are in addition to the original five counts of dangerous driving occasioning death.

Police allege the Bargo resident was driving his Nissan Navara “at high speeds” along East Parade in Buxton at 8pm on September 6 when the vehicle spun out of control and smashed into a tree.

He was the sole survivor of the crash which killed his five passengers, all of whom were aged between 14 and 16 years old.

Local children Summer Williams, Antonio Desisto, Gabriella McLennan, Lily Van de Putte, and Tyrese Bechard were all pronounced dead at the scene.

Tyrese Bechard died in the deadly collision.

Lily Van De Putte was also killed. Picture: Facebook

Documents tendered to the court reveal police uncovered a video on Mr Edwards’ phone from an hour before the fatal crash which allegedly shows him driving dangerously.

The P-plater was driving at speeds of at least 105 km along a 60 km/hr road, police claim.

The video obtained by police allegedly shows the teen driver holding his phone with one hand and “aggressively” turning the wheel with the other as the car swerves violently.

According to the police allegations, witnesses at the scene heard Mr Edwards say: “I f***ed up, I’m going to jail.”

Buxton crash victim Gabriella McLennan. Picture: Facebook

Driver Tyrell Edwards (right) and dead victim Antonio Desisto (left) on the back of the car that crashed. Picture: Instagram

The court heard the brief of evidence has been compiled by the Director of Public Prosecutions and served on the defence.

The ten charges against Mr Edwards will return to court on April 14.

The teen is currently on bail but he is prohibited from leaving his house except to attend the police station, court, or a medical appointment.

He is also forbidden from occupying the driver’s seat of any motorised vehicle.

Family members of the children killed in the crash gathered outside the court to learn when the matter would return to court.

The family of crash victim Summer Williams organised a memorial festival. Picture: Facebook

The father of Antonio Desisto was outside court on Friday.

They told reporters locals in the Wollondilly Shire were still reeling from the devastating fatal crash.

One of the family members explained the community would be holding a commemoration later this month to honour the five local children killed in the deadly collision.

The event will be called “The Festival of Summer” in the hopes it will become an annual celebration.

It will be held at the George IV Inn in Picton on February 18.

The manager of the venue, Craig Higgins, said the families hoped the “celebration of remembrance” would bring the community together.

A banner outside the George IV Inn promoting the upcoming event. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“It’s something they want to hold every year and ... remember the five,” he said.

“(Friends) can come and they can remember the kids every year because it’s pretty tragic to lose a friend at that age.”

The festival will kick off at 2pm with live music, a jumping castle, and face painting.

“We want everyone to come and enjoy it,” Mr Higgins explained.

“It’s not an 18 plus event because obviously the kids weren’t 18 plus.”

During the festival, colour cannons will erupt with the favourite colours of each of the dead children.

The organisers promise the festival will have something for everyone. Picture: NCA NewsWire

The community paid tribute at the crash site on one of Buxton’s main streets. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

Pink will signify Summer Williams, blue for Gabriella McLennan, purple will fly for Lily Van de Putte, silver for Antonia Desisto, and orange will commemorate Tyrese Bechard.

The DJ will also play two songs chosen by each child’s family in their memory.

Tickets to the festival are $40 and all proceeds will go to a charity chosen by Summer’s mother.

The responsibility of choosing the charity will rotate each year to another child’s family.