‘Forever 16’: Teen dies in tragic Melbourne collision

The mother of a boy who died after leaving a barbecue with school friends has delivered a heartbreaking tribute.

A teenager who died after allegedly being struck by a ute in suburban Melbourne has been identified, as his heartbroken mother shares her grief.

Diego Dinelli, 16, died on July 4 on Tucker Rd, Bentleigh after spending the evening celebrating the end of term with McKinnon Secondary classmates.

Victoria Police said the vehicle collided with Diego, a pedestrian, just after 9pm last Friday night.

“Sadly, the pedestrian, a 16-year-old Seaford boy, died at the scene,” a police statement read.

His mother Teresa Svoronos posted on her social media accounts on Saturday

“I’m so broken without you my boy. It’s not fair! Who takes their child before their mother. You will always be my Sonshine,” she wrote.

“I just can’t breathe.”

Diego Dinelli died in a crash at Bentleigh. Picture: Supplied

Ms Svoronos wrote in another post that her son had been at a barbecue before his death.

She said his strength, spirit, and “bright, cheeky smile lit up every corner of our lives”.

“How does a healthy, vibrant boy – who barely ever saw a doctor, who had just gotten his Ls and was ready for driving lessons, who was bursting with excitement to go to his first underage and dance his heart out, who was about to start work experience … have it all stolen in a heartbeat?”

She also revealed July 4 was the same date Diego’s father died eight years ago.

“I pray that Daddy has you in his arms. That you are safe. That you are not scared.”

Supporters have got behind his family. Picture: Supplied

Police said in the statement last week it was believed the ute came to a stop shortly on Huntington Rd shortly after Diego was struck.

“The driver of the utility, a 23-year-old Ormond man, was interviewed by police,” they said.

“He was released pending further enquiries.”

Victoria Police confirmed on Friday that there were no updates to the investigation as yet.

A GoFundMe page was started by a family friend to support Diego’s family, raising almost $10,000 so far.

“Forever 16, we all love you so much Diego,” friend Yeheni Dona wrote.

“You were taken from us too early.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage should contact police to assist with the investigation.

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