Groom speaks at funeral of Hunter Valley wedding bus crash victim

It’s the first time the groom has spoken in public after grieving the loss of 10 loved ones only hours after his wedding.

The groom at the centre of a nightmare wedding bus crash that killed 10 people has spoken publicly for the first time at one of the victim’s funerals.

Family and friends gathered on Tuesday to farewell Zachary Bray, 29, who died in the bus crash while heading home from a wedding in the Hunter Valley on June 11.

Groom, Mitch Gaffney, stood alongside other friends as he paid his respects to Mr Bray, whom he had met while playing football in Singleton.

Groom Mitch Gaffney speaks at the funeral of bus crash victim Zachary Bray. Picture: 7 News

Ten of his wedding guests were killed when the bus they were travelling in crashed after the wedding. Picture: 7 News

Mr Gaffney and his wife Maddy have grieved mostly in private in the month since the incident.

“Although you’ll never get the chance to put the jumper on again, you’ll always be there by our side,” Mr Gaffney said.

He said Mr Bray was known by friends on the field by his nickname “Lab” – short for labrador.

Zach Bray was among 10 people killed in the crash. Picture: Supplied

He had recently overcome a battle with bowel cancer. Picture: Supplied

“They’re pretty smart dogs, they’re extremely loveable but no matter what they do, they do it with that big goofy smile,” Mr Gaffney said.

“That was the first impression he made and it still holds true.

“We will forever cherish the memories that we are lucky enough to hold together.”

Mr Bray has been remembered for his resilient nature after overcoming a bowel cancer diagnosis in 2019 at just 25 years old.

Mr Bray’s loved ones carry his casket from the funeral service. Picture: 7 News

His father Adam Bray paid tribute his son’s love of flying by repeating his departure call for a final time.

“Over and out,” he said. “Rest in peace, my beautiful boy.”

Adam was among those who carried his son’s casket out of the service before he was laid to rest.

The final crash victims will be laid to rest in the coming week – almost a month on from the crash.